In Light of the Summit

The Rainier Series, Book 2

By: Jamie McGillen

Narrated by: Sarah Brands

The much-anticipated sequel to In Sight of the Mountain!

After Anna Gallagher’s first climb on Mt. Rainier, she faces a new challenge - enduring the ridicule and threats that come with breaking tradition. In 1890, being a young female mountaineer makes polite society uncomfortable, even angry. But despite the threats and inherent risk, she still has plans for another climb, even if it jeopardizes her family bookstore and puts her in more danger than she ever imagined.

Emily Watson has always been close with the Gallagher family. As a young girl she dreamed of a wealthy husband, a fine house, and a future in Seattle society, and now, she finally has it. Her desires couldn’t be more different than Anna’s, but she’s confronted with her own invisible mountain to climb when she’s suddenly poverty-stricken. She must decide what matters most and whether true love is worth waiting for.

In Light of the Summit is a captivating story of ambition, heartbreak, and redemption. It’s a tale of two childhood friends navigating womanhood in the late 19th century, with as much grace as they can muster, while still figuring out how to be true to themselves.

©2020 Jamie McGillen (P)2021 Jamie McGillen

This is the perfect book for historical fiction fans!!

I am a huge historical fiction fan and this book was absolutely perfect for me. I love that we learn more of Anna’s adventures as she continues her pursuit of climbing Mount Rainier. I also love the relationship between her and her husband Ben. We get to follow along with the characters from the first book but also we dive more into Emily’s story.

If you enjoy a clean Story that you can share with your daughters of a strong woman, this is the perfect nice for you.

A beautiful story of determination and hope.

It's rare that you come across a book that's as entertaining as it is wholesome. Yet, Jamie McGillen's second novel in the Rainier series, In Light of the Summit, fits that description perfectly. Besides that, the well-crafted descriptions and rich dialog presented in this novel reveal the great lengths that the author carefully research all aspects of this book. If one weren't careful, it would be easy to underestimate the amount of small details that were artfully woven into the narrative that make it a true pleasure to read or, in this case, to listen to.

On that note, it must be stated that Sarah Brands' narration and, more specifically, the way she interpreted each of the characters was spot on. She successfully portrayed, not only the wide gamut of emotions presented in the book, but also the many dialects there within, yet never distracting once from the all more important storytelling aspect in question. It was truly delightful to sit back and hear the world of Anna Gallagher come alive.

The story itself is one of determination and hope. Although there are a variety of characters, the story seems to focus on two women who are facing different yet equally trying circumstances and both must muster to courage to rise above a common enemy: inequality. Still, the author, Jamie McGillen, was able to highlight such testing theme with dignity and in a way that helps the reader to get a better understanding of what it must have been like to be a woman living in those times.

The only thing I do find necessary to mention, and which might be taken into consideration before considering the purchase of the audiobook is the amount of dialog and shifting perspectives, which, if you are not well-focused, could present some difficult to follow completely. However, I am a man and it could very well be that I have a disadvantage in this respect. That being said, I highly recommend this book to all readers. In my opinion it is worth of 5 out of 5 starts. It is well-written, well-researched, and you will find within a wealth of entertainment in it suitable for nearly all ages. What is more, the story is logical and will leave you absolutely satisfied and wanting more.

In way of disclosure, I did receive a copy this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. Although, the tour is being sponsored by Jamie McGillen, the gifting of this audiobook did not in any way affect my opinion of it.

My favorite sequel to my historical fiction novel

A wonderful historical fiction novel, this book is a perfect sequel to in sight of the mountain. McGillen does a fantastic job at creating a dual perspective of two powerful women, one who climbs mountains, one who is satisfied being a stay at home wife, both who are proper ladies, testing the boundaries of the days. With strong female leads, and romances that will be sure to tug at your heartstrings,McGillen has created a story that I never want to leave.

-Riley Sloan

Perfect cozy listen for winter and holidays.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jamie McGillen. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

In Light of the Summit is a young adult historical fiction that is simply beautiful. A charming and inspiring story that is perfect for everyone’s listening library. The cover is absolutely stunning and after listening I agree with the presentation perfectly.

I made the decision to listen to the Audible In Light of the Summit before I realized it was book two of The Rainier Series, that I had not listened to, or read. The first book to the series is In Sight of the Mountain. The fact that I started with book two did not interfere with my enjoyment of this story though. I am absolutely going to say this can be listened to, or read as a stand alone. Although my review is for the Audible version, I think this would make an awesome book to read in print also. Especially around the holidays, during December and winter time when the snow is falling. (I have put both paperbacks on my wish list). Right away I felt like it was November! It has that warm hearted, romantic, family oriented feeling to it. There are trying times for the characters but over all, the story is easy listening and has a home feel to it.

Of course it explains the date and setting in the description. The characters, their relationships and how they interact with one another show the time period very well. The dialogue and language depict a time when women were not treated the same as men. Although even today humanity struggles with the same ideas, In Light of the Summit brings clarity to how far we have come. And yet, it also shows that some of those same tendencies and what hinders, still exist today.

The challenge of anyone climbing a mountain is a motivating task in itself. Add to that challenge being a female and practically every person around, women and men alike being against that gender achievement. That is where Anna is in her life. While the mountain shows a physical obstacle, the story shares emotional and real life obstacles many may face in their own lives. Anna’s poise, her strength, courage and very simply her entire character is a wonderful example for young women today. There is no better encouragement than to “climb your mountain”. Jamie McGillen makes that point in an authentic and creative way showing how accomplishment and growth prevails even through the toughest of times.

Being told that failure was expected because of gender is horrible and should be unacceptable. Sadly it is acceptable too often until finally, it becomes rational. When stories like this bring to light how women struggle with what is expected of them versus what their dreams truly are: well stories like this should be celebrated.

The narrator is Sarah Brands and she is just wonderful! Her voice was settled and calm throughout and that was what the story called for. I loved her accent for Anna’s grandfather. It was enough of an Irish accent to really give that character personality. As she switched from character to character, as did her tone and voice. There were no unwanted or strange background sounds. Everything flowed beautifully. The listening time is really light at only five and a half hours. The story can be enjoyed in a day while driving to and from work if you have a long commute or just an easy Sunday. When I started listening to In Light of the Summit, it was practically impossible to stop listening. A story like this one is easy to have in your ear right before bed, during exercise, while walking or gardening. In Light of the Summit makes a really great Audible.

I highly recommend this story as an audible or book. It is just a wonderful story!

Self-discovery Defiance Reflection Understanding

Self-discovery. Defiance. Reflection. Understanding. Anna did what no one expected of her. Now life for her is so much different than what it could have been if she would have went the proper young lady route. With this second installment to the series we get to see Emily along with Anna. They both face challenges and changes to their lives. They both find a way to deal with it and move forward. Breaking traditions and making a way has consequences each young woman must tackle. Come in and watch their challenges make them better women.

Sarah Brands lends her voice to a historical piece that was only enhanced by her voice. The audio was clean and clear.