The Mountain Between Us, forsaking the admittedly spectacular flaws of its film adaption is a wonderful, poignant read.

In Charles Martin’s novel, two strangers, both stranded by a Utah storm are desperate to find their ways home. Ben Payne, a surgeon returning from a conference and Ashley Knox, a magazine writer, anxious not to miss her fast-approaching wedding decide to charter a plane together. In an effort to beat the storm, they take off without a flight plan and soon enough, tragedy strikes.

The plane’s pilot, Walter, is taken down by a sudden heart attack, luckily, not before he can land the plane. Now stranded in the High Uintas Wilderness the pair must find their way out of the wilderness.

I should start by saying that this is by no means a quick read. Not because it was particularly long or difficult, but because so much of the book is the same. Wow, look, we’re still trudging through the woods.  Twenty pages later. And we’re still trudging, but now it sucks reasonably more.

In short, if you are looking for an action-packed, page-turning romance, this is not the book for you.

In addition to that, much of the novel’s events were entirely predictable and increasingly convenient– as is the way with this particular genre of book.

None of that is to say that it isn’t worth the read. I found the resolution of the novel quite beautiful. I cried for almost an hour after I finished the book. I was left irreversibly distraught for the better part of forty pages, just waiting for the author to tear my heart out.

If you’re in the market for a slightly cheesy, totally improbable, yet undeniably charming and emotional romance, this is the book for you.

Rating: 5/10

You can find this book at your local Barnes and Noble or at these links:

B & N

Amazon