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Book Review: Far From Here by Nicole Baart & Giveaway

February 7, 2012 by Darlene

You can tell from the beginning of Far From Here, Nicole Baart’s newest novel, that things may not end up all flowers and roses for Danica and Etsell but you have no idea how it will all unfold. He loves to fly planes and she is absolutely terrified of flying and after the first time she flies with him she refuses to ever fly again. He would love to live in Alaska and work there while Danica doesn’t want to leave home let along move out to the wilds of Alaska. Yet they get married and for many years are happy – or are they? Do you ever wonder what hovers just below the appearances of a happy couple?

When Ell comes home one day and pretty much informs Dani that he is going to Alaska to fly for a buddy of his for three weeks she is ticked off. She feels they could have at least discussed it but it is only three weeks and it’s always been a dream of his to fly in Alaska so she lets go of her anger. Then she receives the phone call that tells her that her husband is missing and her life is forever changed. She is devastated and when the search is called off she flies to Alaska with Ell’s surrogate mother Hazel to further search for Ell. It is there that she learns that a woman went missing with her husband as well. Dani is at a loss as to what to feel. She arrives back home trying to piece together some kind of a life but she is at loose ends not knowing if she’s a widow, if Ell is coming home, or if Ell had intended to leave her all along.

This novel is really about Dani dealing with her anger and grief. It is told in flashbacks to Dani’s marriage with Ell and also with flashbacks to her past with her less than perfect family. Dani has pretty much been on her own her whole life. She and her sisters Kat and Natalie never really had a mother in Char, who much preferred the bottle to bringing up kids and yet Dani felt loved and despite being the youngest in the family she took over the role of caregiver. As Dani gets back to working in her beauty salon and opening up to people a bit more she is dealt another blow – a big one. Can she get past yet one more upheaval in her life and just how much more can she take before she loses her sanity completely?

I loved Far From Here. I’ve read one other of Nicole’s books and that was The Moment Between (my review) which I also loved. She’s an author who writes with a distinct beauty in her words and I never fail to come away from reading one of her books without being touched in some way. In Far From Here Dani’s pain is so raw and real and you can feel that emanating from the pages of the book. At the same time you can see hope in the way that her family draws together in ways that it never has before to help Dani heal. All of the characters in this novel are well rounded out even the brash Hazel is likeable. They are all real and flawed individuals trying to make it in a world that isn’t always fair or perfect.

Far From Here is an emotionally charged novel of loss and of love.  It will touch your heart and leave you wondering if you ever really know those closest to you and just how long do you hold onto the hope that someone will come back to you. I literally could not put this book down until I turned that last page and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to my friends.

Read the First Chapter
Nicole’s website and blog
Find Nicole on Facebook

Buy your own copy of Far From Here on Amazon.com or Amazon.ca

 


Far From Here Video
from Todd Montsma on Vimeo.
 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Because I loved Far From Here  by Nicole Baart so much I’m really excited to have a copy to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry simply leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thank you, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, February 25/12.  Good luck everyone!

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Filed Under: 2012 - 100+ Books, 2012 ARC's, 2012 Book Reviews

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. vivienne says

    February 7, 2012 at 1:15 am

    I love a book with connections to Alaska. I will look out for this one.

  2. blodeuedd says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:34 am

    Alaska, hm, I do not come across books like that a lot. No one even talk about Alaska

  3. Lisa Garrett says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:48 am

    I love your review. I would love to read this and see how the story unfolds.

  4. Lisa Garrett says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:49 am

    I follow via GFC and email.

  5. Lisa Garrett says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:49 am

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/166851003537301504

  6. Sandy says

    February 7, 2012 at 5:12 am

    I love the setting of Alaska. Settings can always take a story to the next level. I’ll take your recommendation to heart!

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:25 pm

      Sandy, there isn’t much of the book that takes place in Alaska but there are a few really good descriptions.

  7. Bethie says

    February 7, 2012 at 5:52 am

    Thanks for the giveaway. Alaska alway seems so appealing to me. I would love to read this.

    I follow on GFC

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  8. wall-to-wall books-wendy says

    February 7, 2012 at 6:59 am

    Sounds like an amazing book! And I love love love the cover! That was a very good video clip too.

    forevereading at gmail dot com
    I am a follower
    posted on my sidebar

  9. rhonda says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:03 am

    Hi I am a follower book sounds great. I will tweet. At rhonda reads.

  10. JJT says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:10 am

    Alaska is one of my favorite places. Thank you for the giveaway.

  11. Anne says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:42 am

    thanks for this lovely book which has a great locale.

  12. Anne says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:44 am

    I am an e-mail subscriber.

  13. Ellie says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:47 am

    A wonderful giveaway which interests me greatly.

  14. Ellie says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:48 am

    I am an e-mail subscriber.

  15. TheBookGirl says

    February 7, 2012 at 8:00 am

    What a lovely, heartfelt review Darlene 🙂

    It sounds like this is a book sure to touch a chord with me…I can’t read overly sad stuff right now, so I think I will have to put this on the list for later.

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:27 pm

      Beth(bookgirl), yes you may want to wait for a bit with the sad stuff.

  16. zibilee says

    February 7, 2012 at 8:28 am

    Oh, this one does sound fascinating, and I would love the chance to read it and get to the bottom of things. Thanks for the great giveaway, Dar! I would love the chance to be entered! Your review of this one was lovely, by the way!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  17. sagustocox says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:16 am

    This sounds interesting and I have a friend with a fear of flying…so this would be interesting to read

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:28 pm

      Serena, I have a fear of flying so I totally understood where she was coming from.

  18. Janine says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:22 am

    I’d like to enter and I follow your blog! Thanks!

  19. Mary Ward says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:22 am

    It sounds like a book I would love to dive into.

  20. Mary Ward says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:22 am

    I follow on GFC (mamie316) and by email.

  21. Carol Wong says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:32 am

    I watched the trailer and read your review. This must be a very moving and powerful story. I don’t know “how long you hold on to hope”.

    It sounds like this book also asks some other important questios too.

    I have some relatives who live north of Fairbanks so that is really in the wilds too.

    Would really love to read this story for so many reasons.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:29 pm

      Carol, I really think you’d enjoy this story and yes it does get you asking yourself a lot of questions. I like that in a book.

  22. Carol Wong says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:34 am

    I follow your blog in many ways but GFC is one of them.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  23. Carol Wong says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:37 am

    I tweeted this giveaway:
    http://t.co/3OES5X7M

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  24. Muzette says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:54 am

    Sounds like a great book! I also follow your blog.

  25. Margaret says

    February 7, 2012 at 11:07 am

    Being the youngest in my family this story piqued my interest! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  26. Margaret says

    February 7, 2012 at 11:07 am

    I’m a follower.

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  27. Margaret says

    February 7, 2012 at 11:08 am

    I tweeted

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  28. AmandaSue says

    February 7, 2012 at 11:29 am

    I’d love a chance to read this thanks!

  29. AmandaSue says

    February 7, 2012 at 11:30 am

    I’m a follower thanks.

  30. Na S. says

    February 7, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I have a couple of this author’s books on my wishlist. This story has an interesting storyline. The couple’s wants seems a world a part, it’ll be interesting to see if they overcome it and if love is enough.

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:33 pm

      Na, I always think love is enough in the beginning and then as the years wear on it becomes less so.

  31. Na S. says

    February 7, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    I’m a GFC follower.

  32. Na S. says

    February 7, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/FieryNa/status/166973293818155008

  33. Karen B says

    February 7, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    Everyone brings their strengths and flaws to a marriage and hopes for a HEA. Great review!
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  34. Karen B says

    February 7, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Email subscriber, GFC follower.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  35. bermudaonion (Kathy) says

    February 7, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    This sounds like a powerful story. It sounds like the author writes beautifully.

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:34 pm

      Kathy, she does write beautifully. Both books I’ve read of hers I’ve loved.

  36. Patricia says

    February 7, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    This is definitely a book I would add to my collection.

  37. Patricia says

    February 7, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    I am already a follower of you lovely blog.

    plb1050[at]gmail[dot]com

  38. Beth Hoffman says

    February 7, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    Your review is wonderful and I’ve just added this book to my list. Thanks, Dar!

    I hope you and Sammy have a terrific week. Give him a squeeze from me!

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:38 pm

      Thanks Beth H. Sammy sending you some slurps.

  39. Patricia says

    February 7, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I shared this post on http://www.facebook.com/Its.About.Time.Mamaw
    and Twitter@ItsTimeMamaw.

    plb1050[at]gmail[dot]com

  40. Linda Kish says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:00 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  41. Linda Kish says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  42. Margie says

    February 7, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    This sounds like an intriguing book. The location of Alaska makes it particularly interesting to me. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  43. Margie says

    February 7, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    email subscriber and GFC follower
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  44. Reeca says

    February 7, 2012 at 5:57 pm

    Would love to read this book! Sounds wonderful!! Thanks!! I am also a subscriber!!!

  45. Staci says

    February 7, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    I love these types of books that I can just get lost in the pages of the story!!

    • admin says

      February 9, 2012 at 5:39 pm

      Staci, the books I lose myself in are my favorites too.

  46. bn100 says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. The book sounds very interesting.

  47. bn100 says

    February 7, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    I follow your blog.

  48. karenk says

    February 8, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel 🙂

  49. karenk says

    February 8, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    i’m a follower, too 😉

  50. Bree says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:45 am

    Thanks for the chance, really enjoyed your review!
    breej23 at hotmail dot com

  51. Bree says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:46 am

    gfc follower (breej23)

    breej23 at hotmail dot com

  52. Bree says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:47 am

    tweet:
    https://twitter.com/#!/freebreeluv/status/167680916783775744
    breej23 at hotmail dot com

  53. Karen says

    February 9, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    sounds like a book I’d enjoy reading.

  54. Tiffany Drew says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    This sounds like my kind of book, please count me in 🙂

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  55. Tiffany Drew says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    GFC follower Tiffany Drew

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  56. Tiffany Drew says

    February 9, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    Tweeted

    https://twitter.com/#!/enterthedrew/status/167823994282721282

    jaidahsmommy(at)comcast(dot)net

  57. Leisa Wiggs says

    February 10, 2012 at 9:11 am

    I, too, have a fear of flying. And my last flight was to Alaska! (I’m an Amtrak girl now!). I would love to read this book.

  58. Susan @ The Book Bag says

    February 11, 2012 at 11:33 am

    I have had this book on the TBR list for some time now. I can’t wait to read it, especially after reading your review. Thanks for the chance.

    I follow via GFC
    suzebomb(at)gmail.com

  59. Darlene says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    Please enter me in the draw, and thanks for the giveaway!

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

  60. Darlene says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    +1 following you on GFC (Darlene)

    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

  61. Darlene says

    February 11, 2012 at 3:59 pm

    +1 for tweeting:

    https://twitter.com/#!/DarleneBookNook/status/168468950613635072

    GFC Darlene
    darlenesbooknook at gmail dot com

  62. Christine says

    February 11, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Please enter me. It sounds really good. 🙂

  63. Christine says

    February 11, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    GFC-Christine Davis

  64. Shannon says

    February 12, 2012 at 7:12 pm

    sounds like a great book, would love to win.

    follow your blog!

  65. Anita Yancey says

    February 14, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Sounds like a very good and interesting book. I would really enjoy reading it. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  66. Anita Yancey says

    February 14, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Follow on GFC as Anita Yancey
    Email Subscriber

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  67. Maureen says

    February 15, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    It looks like a good story
    I follow on GFC
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

  68. marci says

    February 17, 2012 at 10:47 am

    thank you for the chance!

  69. marci says

    February 17, 2012 at 10:47 am

    follow you (Marci) gfc

  70. Miriam says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I love all Nicole’s books. And adding this one to my library would be a thrill!

  71. faefever25 says

    February 21, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    Thank you so much for your giveaway ^_^ This sounds like a wonderful book

    faefever25 at hotmail dot com

  72. faefever25 says

    February 21, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    I am a follower

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