Emilie Richards has always had the ability to grab a reader's emotions and ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY definitely meets that standard.

Charlotte Hale came from the mountains to Asheville as a young woman bent on making a life for herself. She planned her life meticulously and except for a few deviations carried out that plan. Her utter surety that she knew what was right for everyone around her alienated her husband and her daughter. She has a formidable reputation in business and at her church. Yet, she has very few friends.

When she is diagnosed with an acute leukemia and the treatment puts her life at risk, Charlotte is encouraged to put her thoughts and feelings on paper. As she reluctantly starts keeping a journal, she sees that her life has taken a path that she didn't expect.

Charlotte will start to reach out to those she left behind and to others with the goal of helping people out of situations similar to that which she grew up in.

Keep a box of tissues handy when you read ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY. It is an emotional roller coaster as Charlotte explores everything that led her to where she is today and then evaluates what she can do to try and change the future of those she loves. There are moments of laughter, moments of tears and moments of empathy as we watch the characters alter their lives.

ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY is an exceptional read but one that needs to be taken slowly or the emotion will be overwhelming.