When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

When Mountains Move Reviews

• 
  DJ Sakata

  I received a free copy of Julie Cantrell's novel When Mountains Move as a Goodreads first reader. I typically avoid this genre (Christian) but found I could not put the book down. I read it in a day. I was absorbed, and found myself actually tensing up due to the drama, personal hardships, and disappointments Millie was experiencing. More than a few times I dreaded and despaired turning the page for fear of what was to become of her... But my anxiety was for naught as a happy ending was had by most, except for the nasty man that was eaten by a mountain lion. The poor lion, I hope she didn't get indigestion. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the telling of the tale. They do mention God, Bible stories and passages, and pray - a lot. Although it did not seem uncomfortably preachy or pushing a specific secular agenda. I would be interested in reading more of this story, which is a great surprise to me - an agnostic.
• 
  Amanda Hupe

  I won When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell on a Facebook Giveaway. I was very hesitant to read the book since it is the 2nd book in the Into the Free Series. However, I read from other reviews that I could read it as a standalone.
  
  WARNING: SEXUAL ASSAULT TRIGGERS
  
  The book immediately jumps into Millie’s world during World War II. She is getting ready to marry Bump, even though she has a secret. A secret that can destroy their relationship. They head west to Colorado to become ranchers. They meet different people from all walks of life. Millie’s grandmother comes to live with them too. Even still, life becomes harder than anticipated. Can their marriage survive with this growing secret and the hard work they do every day?
  
  Other reviews rave about this book, so I got my hopes up. I was completely let down by this book. First of all, I would not recommend that this book be read as a standalone novel. I found out very quickly that I needed the information from book one. I have a feeling that if I would have read the first book that maybe, my rating would have been a little higher. However, that would not change the fact that the book’s pace extremely slow or the fact that I did not like any of the characters except for Oka and Fortner. Millie could be a fantastic character. She goes through something that is truly awful and despicable. Her assault is horrific and her reactions to the assault really tear at the reader’s heartstrings. But then she spends the whole book thinking about the man she could have chosen instead of Bump. Every hardship that she and Bump go through makes her wonder about River and talks about how much she misses him. It was extremely annoying. Don’t even get me started on Bump. Good Lord, if I could jump into the book and punch him square in the face…I would. He is awful. He is not there for his wife at all. He is selfish and I have no idea what Millie sees in him.
  
  Now, this is a Christian story. There is a little Native American mysticism in it, which is actually one of my favorite parts of the whole book. I love the legends that Oka discusses throughout the story. Anyway, there is also the topic of abortion. This being a Christian book, I knew it would take the pro-life stance. It did. Even in a case of rape. Unfortunately, I disagree with how the author decided to portray this experience and could be hurtful for those who have been in a similar situation and make them feel judged. So if this is a topic that is sensitive for you, best to avoid this book. Between the over-dramatic storyline, slow-pacing, and unlikable characters, I have to rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.
• 
  Jolina Petersheim

  When a novel is as strong as Into the Free, I often wonder if a sequel can be as rewarding. When Mountains Move is as rewarding, if not more. You can feel Julie Cantrell's heart in its creation and in the characters. I love the character arc of Millie as she finds healing for her past scars and as this draws her closer to the one supposed to walk beside her through life's journey. The secondary characters come to life just as much as they did in Into The Free. Readers of Into the Free, or even just those who are discovering Julie Cantrell's lyrical writing for the first time, pick up this book!
• 
  Nancee

  Millie discovers hope in the opportunity to move forward with her life, far from atrocities of her past. Sadly, Millie's past is destined to become a major component of her future. Her choice between the two men she loves eventually creates questions in her mind regarding whether she has chosen the best course for her future. Opportunity awaits her and her new husband, Bump, as they set out to brave new worlds in the mountains of Colorado, far from the heartache in Mississippi. The challenges they face appear insurmountable when they realize that their "new" homestead is uninhabitable. Using every moment of daylight Millie and Bump attempt what appears to be the impossible, but their perseverance rewards them with an inhabitable farmstead and outbuildings with 5,000 acres of land to raise horses and beef cattle.
  
  Julie Cantrell has received numerous awards for her debut novel, "Into The Free," which has been optioned by a production studio with hopes of bringing her story to the big screen! Julie's sequel to "Into The Free" surpassed my expectations! Her attention to detail is outstanding, and her characters are so well illustrated that I felt myself living Millie's life throughout the story! Vivid portrayals of the landscape throughout Millie and Bump's journey to the Rocky Mountains are eloquent, from the yellow flowers Millie so loves to the mountains that greet them. The hardships and disillusions they face are realistic and believable. As with Julie's debut novel, I feel that "When Mountains Move" is an exceptional work of artistic creativity. I highly recommend this inspiring book!
  
  Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author and Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
• 
  Heather Gilbert

  Oh, this is TOTALLY on my favorites shelf now. Much as I loved INTO THE FREE by Cantrell, I think I loved this sequel more. We were right with Millie and Bump as they navigate the early-marriage waters...including a move to a real "fixer-upper." Beautifully wraps up issues left hanging in INTO THE FREE. And Millie's Choctaw grandma, Oka? LOVED her. I would give this book over five stars if I could--it's so realistic and believable, just the kind of story that sticks with me.
• 
  Tawallah

  I think I got this for free on Amazon a few years ago. I've been wanting to read this for a while. I forgot this was part of a series and didn't read the first book. But honestly I was able to read this and get the full gist of the story. I ended up enjoying this one.
  
  This was a slow burn, a very quiet story about the struggles in marriage. I enjoyed the scenes of Colorado. Though set in the time of the second world war, it has minimal impact except for a secondary character. But the book did seem to be accurate for the 1930s-1940s. Loved how it incorporates Native American and the small town life. It was a predictable novel and you root for these newlyweds. There were a frustrating couple at times who really needed to talk to each other but I understood how insecurity played a major role. But such a realistic issue facing any marriage.
  
  This is a Christian novel but not overtly so. Still undecided about that last part with Oka and the Native American tradition shown. Definitely a good book for a book club to discuss certain themed explored here like marriage, forgiveness, motherhood and abuse.
• 
  Iola

  Note: I actually read the 2016 edition from Thomas Nelson, which has a different cover. I've no idea whether the story has changed, or whether it's been re-edited.
  
  I admit it: I didn’t read Julie Cantrell’s award-winning debut novel, Into the Free, mostly because there were faults in the review copy I downloaded which rendered it unreadable (my copy was missing all the c’s and all the h’s, which meant there would be references to a “fres at of fis” instead of a fresh catch of fish. It’s hard to get into a novel when you find yourself having to sound out words like a six-year-old.
  
  I also didn’t request the sequel to Into the Free when it released the following year, because I tend not to enjoy sequels if I haven’t read the first book in the series. So why did I request When Mountains Move … which is that same sequel, only from a new publisher? Because I somehow missed the fact it was a book I elected not to read two years ago, but requested on the strength of the good things I’d heard about the author’s writing.
  
  And they are all true. Even though When Mountains Move is a sequel, it’s not necessary to have read Into the Free in order to understand or appreciate this.
  
  When Mountains Move is not an easy read: it starts with Millie, our heroine, having a dream/flashback to her rape six weeks earlier. She’s now marrying Bump (Kenneth Anderson, and that’s probably the only thing I never understood: where he got such a ridiculous nickname), and they are leaving Mississippi for Colorado, where Bump has a job managing a run-down ranch.
  
  While the ranch is the main setting, ranch life isn’t the core of the plot or theme. Rather, the story is about Millie coping with the attack and the after affects, and the strain this puts on her marriage. It’s a story of love and trust and mistrust, the story of a marriage, and it’s riveting.
  
  The novel is told entirely in first person present tense from Millie’s point of view, which is an interesting literary choice for a historical novel—most tend to be third person and past tense. First person seems to be reserved for young adult and new adult novels, and in a way that fits: When Mountains Move is an extension of the coming of age novel, and seventeen-year-old Millie is certainly in the right age bracket to attract YA/NA readers.
  
  I like first person because gives us a deep insight into Millie and her problems. It also demonstrates the strength of Cantrell’s writing in that I still understood a lot of Bump’s thoughts and problems, even when Millie seemed not to.
  
  I get that the combination of an edgy topic and first person writing won’t appeal to everyone. But if you can get past that—as I did—I’m sure you’ll find When Mountains Move to be excellent. Even if you haven’t read Into the Free.
  
  Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing a free ebook for review.
• 
  Britney

  When Mountains Move is a beautifully woven story of human resilience that lingers, in the mind and on the heart, even after the last page has been turned.
• 
  Arlene

  O wow, The sequel is even better. This is one of those times when you are really deeply moved by the story and you want to know more. It took me sometime to finish it because of the holidays.
• 
  Faith

  Picking up right where Into the Free left off, Millie and Bump are getting married and about to set off on their own adventure managing a ranch in Colorado for their friend Cauy Tucker, they have 3 years to make it a success. If they do well they will get a share of the profit, and Bump will be able to start his veterinarian clinic. They must build the run down ranch from the ground up, and in their new home it is hard to know who to trust.
  
  
  
  There is their charming widowed neighbor, Kat, who is too friendly with Bump for Millie's taste, but seems to offer the only friendship for miles. There is also Fortner, a man who was raised on the homestead that they are ranching, but rumors say that he killed 2 women.
  
  
  
  Millie brings a painful secret into their marriage that threatens to tear them apart. Will Millie and Bump have the faith push through the challenges in their marriage, or will secrets tear them apart?
  
  
  
  Picking up right where the previous book left off, this book does not work well as a stand alone. I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series, before starting this one, as it will give good depth and background to Millie's past and the secret that she still hides. Rich storytelling paints a picture of the stark reality around them, I liked how raw it was, and the vulnerability in the characters. The author skillfully, develops flawed characters that spring from the pages scars and all. I loved how over the course of the book I could go from being frustrated with a character, to understanding, and forgiving them over the course of the story.
  
  
  
  Bump is a good man, and he loves Millie unconditionally. But he is still human, and isn't perfect. He is stressed out by the task before him, and wants to give his family more than what he had growing up.
  
  
  
  Oka is Millie's paternal grandmother who comes to stay with them in Colorado, she is a very wise woman, and is full of hope despite the pain of her past.
  
  
  
  Overall, a satisfying beginning to Millie and Bump's story. They must face their share of lions, and pain from the past, and learn to trust each other in the mountains of Colorado. I love how Ms. Cantrell so vividly brought the characters to life, and made them shine through their flaws. This book follows Millie in her journey of faith, through the happiness and heartache, joys and suffering. A memorable read that I won't soon forget.
  
  
  
  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
• 
  Yvette

  Julie Cantrell's debut novel, Into the Free, was so moving that I've continually put off reading it's sequel, not wanting to experience more heartbreak for her wonderful character Millie.  But having finally read When Mountains Move, I regret having waited.
  
  While When the Mountains Move is an almost immediate continuation of Into the Free's depression era story that follows Millie from her difficult but somehow magical childhood in rural Mississippi through adolescence and into the bloom of her first love and the devastation of her greatest trials and heartbreaks, it is also a different and distinct story of it's own.  
  
  This is very much a story of a young woman finding her way through the aftermath of trauma, as she and her new husband struggle to rebuild a Colorado ranch that had seen it's own share of tragedies.  Only seventeen, Millie has had to grow up quickly, but finds herself unprepared for some of the challenges of her new life as a wife, mother, friend, and a woman of strength and faith.  But when a the past comes calling and a new betrayal threatens all she has, Millie finds the strength to carry on.
  
  In Millie, Julie Cantrell has created a compelling character whose story is filled with heartbreak, tragedy, hope, faith, and magic.  At times emotionally difficult, When Mountains Move is a bittersweet and achingly satisfying read.  Highly recommended.
  
  The review refers to a finished copy I voluntarily received from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.
• 
  Marisa

  I wanted to love this second book so much like I did the first one but I just don’t. It’s a continuation of the first book but there were not as many beautifully written words like the first book. I suffered through the first half of the book wanting to give up. I guess not unlike Millie. The end is worth it so don’t give up. My friend Melissa told me she couldn’t stop listening to the last part of the book and its true. I read thorough dinner and my kids missed there bed times! I read this book so fast where the first book took me days to read. I found myself skimming through the middle but the last part I just couldn’t stop reading. I’m so happy I stick through it and I know the conclusion to this beautiful story. 3.5 stars
• 
  ANNETTE

  WOW!!, This is the second book in the series. This book grabs your heart strings and is very meaningful. .
• 
  Julie Barrett

  
  When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell
  This book was the one I actually wanted to read because of the travel through places I've never been to.
  The package also came with the first book in the series, Into The Free which I've read and will post it's review here after this one.
  If it's anything like the first book I am going to feel like I am traveling with them, seeing the things Millie sees as first being away from MS.
  This story picks up where the first left off, Bump and Millie have married and a bit of the past is remembered but not spoken. Jack's mother will arrive in CO after a month to help them set things up.
  They get the help from another who lives in his own teepee on their land and others in town don't want him to be near them. Mr. Tucker and his recent fiancee and her fathers mother are arriving from MS for a few weeks and Oka stays longer after the men set up the pasture and corrals for all the horses they now have.
  Oka is a godsend as a horse has kicked Millie and she starts bleeding-she's pregnant and the doctor doesn't know how much longer she will keep the baby. Millie has a secret from the past and she is able to share it with Oka and she does all the chores, milks goats, gathers eggs, cooks, etc.
  Parts I loved the best are the scenery, you can tell the scene in front of her just takes her breath away when she sees the mountains for the first time. Love the talk about herbs and plants and what to do with them, the knitting and the quilting.
  Love that Millie's Indian name means strong. She proves that over and over during the months at the ranch and everything that is expected of her. When she's tried everything and it's not working she turns to God for help.
  Bump has a lot of pressure with the ranch and all the new things that come to the ranch for him to handle, he wonders if just one thing goes wrong they will have to go back to MS...
  Millie's friend Kat causes her some heartache that Oka helps to soothe the pain til she gets to talk to Bump about it.
  So much they are able to accomplish but the past is always there in the back of her mind...River shows up and there are a lot of misunderstandings and Millie has a choice, which one? Trust and faith in God get her through and I love the tale of how the mountains moved and the clover crowns.
  I received this book from Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
  
• 
  patrick Lorelli

  This was a story about a young couple during World War 2, getting married in Louisiana and moving that same day to Colorado. The young couple were going to take over a ranch for a man who bought it. After so many years if it became profitable they could take it over or get so much in cash and start a new somewhere else. The young man not knowing that his bride was raped before they had gotten married. This caused for some added drama because after they were in Colorado for a few months he brought her grandmother to live with them. She knew at once that she was with child and then she told her grandmother what had happen. Her grandmother told her that the child was wanted regardless of how she felt and she needed to tell her husband. She did not but she did have the baby and knew her grandmother was right. While this was all going on the husband who had gone to school to be a vet, was working more around the ranch with a hand they hired and a neighbor lady who lost her husband during the war was trying to come between them. He had to go on a cattle drive and when he got back things were worse between him and his wife. Still no one would talk, but he loved the little they had. Then one day out of the blue the man who rapped her shows up at their ranch he ends up confronting her with the child out on the trail and is taken care by nature. When her husband gets there they finally talk and she tells him everything. He hugs her and says I wish you would have told me sooner. The ranch is making money and they stay there. A very good story about real life.
• 
  Rebecca Hughes

  I think I have a new favorite book!! I literally did not want to put this book down from the time I picked it up. I loved getting to know the main character Millie and going on her journey with her to Colorado. I not only could truly visualize the events taking place as I was reading but could also feel the emotions of Millie as I was reading this wonderful novel. I am not what I would call an emotional reader and it takes a whole lot in a book to make me cry but I must say that Julie Cantrell truly has a way with words to really relay exactly what she is wanting the reader to be feeling. I found myself crying at a couple of different points in this book as my heart was breaking right along with Millie's. This is a book about a young couple really coming to terms with the meaning of "true love"!! I won a copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway.
• 
  Shari Larsen

  This sequel to Into the Free begins with Millie and Bump's wedding day, in May of 1943. When Bump is given the chance to start a ranch in the mountains of Colorado, Millie is hoping for a fresh start, and hoping to leave her past behind. As she tries to forget a dark secret, she doesn't yet realize how drastically the past she wanted to leave behind will impact their future together.
  
  I loved the first book, and I loved this one just as much. Even though it works as a stand alone story, I highly recommend reading Into the Free first, because it will really give you deeper insight into the characters, especially Millie, and because it such a great story. I don't know if a third book is planned in this series, but I hope so! Millie is still quite young, and still has a lifetime of interesting stories ahead of her.
• 
  Janet

  I read and reviewed the precursor to this novel, Into The Free, and I wanted more. More insight into the troubled central character, more story, essentially I wanted to know that the heroine had a future. The author has answered that question and gone further. Millie, the lead, is a difficult character to like. In this book we get to see her grow and almost flourish. She deals with her past and her personal demons. She reconciles herself to the fact that without trust and honesty her marriage will fail.
  I would recommend that readers read the first book before attempting this one. It will explain so much back story and complete the picture of Millie. This book could stand alone however.
  *I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Catherine Richmond

  Millie marries Bump and off they go to a ranch in Colorado, unaware that a horrible secret will shatter their lives.
  
  When Mountains Move is written in present tense, but don't let that put you off. The story swept me away and I forgot about it by the second page. This author does an excellent job with pacing - just when you think you can take a breath, the story twists and the heroine finds herself in another situation. I especially enjoyed the smudging ceremony, an Native American tradition which reminds me of the use of incense in some churches. The heroine faces her challenges with such courage - I'd like to be her friend!
• 
  Cathy Cermele

  I liked this book so much! Millie was a resilient character and at times I forgot just how young she was. As she and her husband Bump start off married life with both a move and the very daunting task of making their ranch/home livable, they faced so many challenges.
  I liked them separately and I loved them together. Millie’s grandmother quickly became a favorite of mine, too.
  
  Their story Is beautifully written. I was compelled to keep reading. This is only the second book that I’ve read by Julie Cantrell and I find her to a pretty amazing author which makes me want to read more of her work.
  I received a copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
  
• 
  Kim

  This was a very satisfying sequel to Into the Free, Cantrell's debut novel. This second book is another well-written work, full of complex characters, vivid descriptions, dramatic heartbreak, forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love. I thoroughly enjoyed the continuing story of Mille and Bump, seeing the young couple tackle tremendous odds with strength and faith. This Christian fiction isn't preachy and Cantrell's views aren't "forced" as some other works in this genre. Having spent some time in the Rockies, it made me long to return. Julie Cantrell, please keep writing!
• 
  Logan

  Like a glass of cool water on a hot summer's day this book will refresh your mind, body and soul. Julie Cantrell is a master storyteller. She creates characters with beauty and real depth. I have come to feel that Millie is a real person, a dear friend. Very few books have characters that are so lovable and so tragically flawed. Such a great read! I love that it is an amazing story and on a deeper level it makes me examine the way I see the world. Well done again!!
• 
  Diana Montgomery

  When Mountains Move
  By: Julie Cantrell
  
  Really liked the book. This the second book after “Into the Free”. What a abusive life Millie had. She gets married to a rodeo vet. Will their relationship make it with the secrets she keeps. When the secret comes out can there be forgiveness? The book has lots to deal with faith, hope and love. I would rate these books as 5 star. Wonder will their be a third one. Great writing Julie.
  
• 
  Alice Chittock

  It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what the difference between the good book and a truly excellent book. Is it the characters? The writing? The plotline?
  In this book I can't work out exactly what made it great, all I know is that everything worked together to make a truly excellent and unforgettable story.
  This is a sequel, so I would recommend you read the first book, into the free, before reading this one.
  Many thanks to net galley for the review copy of this book.
• 
  Joanna

  I waited for this sequel for about a year and a half and it was well worth the wait. I loved this story! it was so beautiful and realistic. People can be so damaged by life and hurts. The main character, Millie is no exception but she finds hope, and God, a family, love, and puts her hard past behind her. I love how she learns to trust and open herself up. I highly recommend both books!
• 
  Cari Manry

  This was a great book. I couldn't put it down. Don't read it when you are hormonal; the feelings of the character are put across so well it was easy to take and make them my own. This is book 2 (Into the Free is book 1) but it stands alone very well. The story of an newly married 17-year-old in 1943 and her trials settling into a new life across the country and dealing with her past.
• 
  Dixie

  This book sings the songs every heart knows about. The melodic twinkle of adventure, twangy bass of envy, high pitch clang of fear, the silence of doubt and the sturdy rhythm of trust. It will be one of the few stories I read again.
• 
  Nancy

  Just when I thought Julie couldn't top "Into The Free", she proves me wrong with "When Mountains Move". This book is a powerful story of love and surviving the odds. Beautifully written! I'm hoping that there will be a 3rd book someday....
• 
  Donna

  I didn't like this, but I will say, I listened to it while in the hospital recovering from emergency surgery and pneumonia. So maybe my experience may have colored my like or dislike of this. But there was just so so so much whining....and I was doing plenty of my own.
• 
  Paula

  Continuation of "Into the Free" book. I found this book entertaining. The characters came alive in my mind. Enjoyable read.
  This was a free book mailed to me .