THE PROMISED LAND by ELIZABETH MUSSER tells the story of four people with varying problems who do the Camino pilgrimage together. It is a really inspirational book which brings to mind the words of Jesus in John chapter eight: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.", in that they are set free on two levels - coming to know the truth about themselves as well as the truth that the Lord is always with them.
It is a sensitively written book, and as we go on the journey with Abbie, Bobby, Rasa and Caro, there are things we not only learn about each of them, but also things that could be applicable in our own lives.
Abbie, the control freak who has literally driven her husband away and cannot seem to help interfering in her sons' lives, Bobby, who is too ready to carry everyone's burdens and is getting over a terrible tragedy, Rasa, the refugee who has panic attacks and tends to take on too much as well, and Caro with her self destructive and tragic past, are an unlikely group of people, and it is interesting to see how the Lord uses them in each others' lives.
It is a really lovely book and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. the opinions in this review are completely my own.

When I saw this book in the list of possible books to read for review, I chose it simply because of the Camino involvement in the plot. My husband was supposed to hike the Caminio de Santiago this year, because of COVID, Spain closed its borders to tourists.

Abbie is a woman who has to be in control of all aspects of her life, her sons' lives, and her husband's life. When her older son decides to go to Europe for a "gap year" between high school and college, and her husband goes to Chicago for three months, and her younger son goes off to boarding school; Abbie sees her well-ordered life spiral out of control.

At the suggestion of her mother, Abbie begins seeing a woman who is not a therapist, but considers herself a spiritual guide. Abbie's son, Bobby, mentions that he's planning a trek on the Camino in France, and Abbie decides to go along--which defeats Bobby's purpose in taking the trip. However, it does work in his favor in the end.

Abbie has to face some not very nice truths about herself and in the end return to who she really is.

I've read several Elizabeth Musser books and I find her work to be compelling and intriguing, just as I found this one. The one criticism I have is that the people populating the book are extreme in their characterizations. While it is more rewarding to read books about flawed people (as we all are), it was not as satisfying to read a book about characters I wouldn't like in real life. Still, the narrative moves at a good pace, and the settings are amazing. I will still give this book four stars.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed are totally my own.