Reviewed by Jean, 9/27/14
2010, Broadway Books
Sometimes a book gets traded in and we take a peek at it so we know what it is about. This happened to me this week with The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin. The book is so good that I ended up reading the entire thing.
Dr. Ben Payne is traveling back from a medical conference when he meets writer, Ashley Knox, at the Salt Lake City airport. She’s also traveling east for her upcoming wedding. When poor weather cancels their flight, he charters a plane for himself and because he knows she is in a hurry, offers the extra seat to Ashley. When the pilot dies of a heart attack in midflight, Ben finds himself crash landed in a harsh and remote wilderness in Utah with broken ribs, the pilot’s dog, and Ashley with a badly broken leg. As he struggles to bring the three of them to safety, Ben travels an internal journey as well. He questions decisions he’s made: the last fight with his wife, her dangerous pregnancy with twins, physical attraction to Ashley, and his ability as a man to keep them fed and warm long enough to find help.
The transitions between the present situation and Dr. Payne’s past are seamless and add essential information. Ashley’s humor and beauty contribute lightness and complications. The writing is approachable and interesting. This book looks like a rugged adventure story but is so much more. I highly recommend this adventure/love story. -Jean
