About the AuthorCharles Martin is the author of seven novels. He and his family live in Jacksonville, Florida.Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Prelude Hey Im not sure what time it is. This thing should record that. I woke a few minutes ago. Its still dark. I dont know how long I was out. The snow is spilling in through the windshield. Its frozen across my face. Hard to blink. Feels like dried paint on my cheeks. It just doesnt taste like dried paint. Im shiveringand it feels like somebody is sitting on my chest. Cant catch my breath. Maybe broke two or three ribs. Might have a collapsed lung. The wind up here is steady, leaning against the tail of the fuselageor whats left of it. Something above me, maybe a branch, is slapping the plexi-glass. Sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard. And more cold air is coming in behind me. Where the tail used to be. I can smell gas. I guess both wings were still pretty full of fuel. I keep feeling like I want to throw up. A hand is wrapped around mine. The fingers are cold and calloused. Theres a wedding band, worn thin around the edges. Thats Grover. He was dead before we hit the treetops. Ill never understand how he landed this thing without killing me, too. When we took off, the ground temperature was in the single digits. Not sure what it is now. Feels colder. Our elevation should be around eleven-five. Give or take. We couldnt have fallen more than five hundred feet when Grover dipped the wing. The control panel sits dark, unlit. Dusted in white. Every few minutes the GPS on the dash will flicker, then go black again. There was a dog here somewhere. All teeth and muscle. Real short hair. About the size of a loaf of bread. Makes snotty, gurgling sounds when he breathes. Looks like hes jacked up on speed. Wait Hey, boyWaitno. Not there. Okay, lick but dont jump. Whats your name? You scared? Yeahme, too. I cant remember his name. Im backwas I gone long? Theres a dog here. Buried between my coat and armpit. Did I already tell you about him? I cant remember his name. Hes shivering and the wrinkles around his eyes are quivering. Whenever the wind howls, he jumps up and growls at it. The memorys foggy. Grover and I were talking, he was flying, maybe banking right, the dash flashed a buffet of blue and green lights, a carpet of black stretched out below us, not a light bulb for sixty miles in any direction, andthere was a woman. Trying to get home to her fianc and a rehearsal dinner. Ill look. I found her. Unconscious. Elevated pulse. Eyes are swollen shut. Pupils are dilated. Probably a concussion. Several lacerations across her face. A few will need stitches. Right shoulder is dislocated and left femur is broken. It didnt break the skin but, her leg is angling out and suit leg is tight. I need to set itonce I catch my breath. Its getting colder. I guess the storm finally caught us. If I dont get us wrapped in somethingwell freeze to death before daylight. Ill have to set that leg in the morning. RachelI dont know how much time we have, dont know if well make it out, ifbutI take it all back. I was wrong. I was angry. I never shouldve said it. You were thinking about us. Not you. I can see that now. Youre right. Right all along. Theres always a chance. Always. what new books are coming out in 2019 The Mountain Between Us: A Novel
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Loved it!By IdahoerinI really enjoyed this book! I loved the way the author was telling multiple stories all at the same time. The adventure kept good pace and kept you hooked but all the layers of the characters that unfolded once they were fighting to survive is really what reels you in. An amazing story of survival and redemption that just feels good, plus theres a great twist at the end for the reader.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Enjoyed this book.By Brenda RobinsVery likeable characters. Drama, adventure and a love story all rolled into one. And a very, very surprising ending! Who could ask for more!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Surprpise ending!!By LoyceWhat a charming book. I am not sure that is the right work, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hope they don't mess up the movie too much.