Christy Award-winning author Angela Hunt delivers an unforgettable, critically acclaimed tale that explores how materialism, beauty, and prestige often mask reality. Every year for two decades, David Payne invites his five closest college friends to travel with him on a weeklong humanitarian mission. And each year, they are too busy. This year, however, when David's funeral re-unites them, they decide to fulfill his mission to a far-flung Pacific island. But something unplanned and mind-boggling occurs. ". adventure with an accelerating sense of menace."-Booklist, starred review
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"Slow-moving at first, but very well-written, so I didn't want to put it down even while I was waiting for something to happen. The character development becomes meaningful as the plot unfolds. The final reveal is shocking but seemingly inevitable and the message is relevant and inspiring. "
— Mrs.soule (5 out of 5 stars)
" No surprise, Angela has done it again with a book that I couldn't put down. I loved everything about the story line, the way the prologue left you with hope and intrigue about who wrote the note in the bottle...and the climax and ending was a true reflection point on a personal level. "
— Charity, 2/5/2014" It was hard for me to get into this book because of all of the different characters. Once the characters came together, I was not surprised by the plot. "
— Kelli, 2/5/2014" It was an interesting tale of some people who knew each other in college and have reconnected at a funeral. They all end up on an uncharted island. What happens while they are there raises a lot of questions. It was suspenseful and I did want to read on to find out what happened to the people. "
— Caryn, 1/31/2014" Love Angela Hunt but this one was a bit disturbing. "
— Emily, 1/21/2014" Interesting and entertaining look at the afterlife. "
— Margaret, 1/4/2014" This book was so good and very thought provoking. It's a must read for all Christian fiction lovers. I highly recommend it. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. "
— Lawrence, 12/27/2013" There is a small amount of slightly graphic content pertaining to a "bad character", but the book is definitely Christian fiction! I would HIGHLY recommend!!! "
— Gwen, 12/17/2013" AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. So bad, in fact, I wish there was a website called BADREADS! I only continued to the end because of some of the better reviews I read. Even one star is too high of a rating. Do not start to read this book because then you too may find it necessary to waste your time finishing it. "
— Nancy, 12/11/2013" Makes you think about how you're spending time and the importance of how you live your life "
— Tina, 11/25/2013" This one will make you think! "
— Donna, 11/20/2013" One of my new favorite authors! "
— Janine, 10/29/2013" This is a great book, an easy read too. It is a parable about eternity, with a "Castaway" and "Lost" take on it. "
— Jess, 8/24/2013" a captivating book, angela hunt's best work ever!!!! "
— Bryn, 5/15/2013" You HAVE to read this book! "
— Judy, 5/7/2013" wow! really makes you think! "
— Angela, 3/14/2013" A book that sticks with you....you find yourself recommending it to others because of the message. "
— Jen, 11/27/2012" Wow! All I can say is this book classifies as a must read. It really is an eye-opener. It was compelling. To give any further review would take away from story. "
— Margaret, 10/29/2012" This book is so bizarre. It was not what I expected but I still liked it and thought it would make for a very interesting book group discussion. "
— Jessica, 9/13/2012" very thought provoking, with a surprising ending. "
— Lorna, 9/2/2012" Powerful! Parts were disturbing. Couldn't stop thinking about it for days. "
— Joellen, 4/26/2012" A great book to create an urgency within you to witness to the lost. "
— Camie, 11/15/2011" What happens when you die and you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? This book explores in a wonderfully written story what might be. "
— Margaret, 10/1/2011" This was one of the most powerful books I have ever read. It really made me examine myself. Some parts were almost creepy. But all I can say without saying too much is WOW, wow, and WOW!!! "
— Kylie, 9/15/2011" I didn't realize this was a Christian propoganda book until about mid way through. It was just getting interesting and then with all the Jesus. "
— Christie, 6/21/2011" Very interesting book. Not thrilling, but worth finishing. "
— Shannon, 5/29/2011" No surprise, Angela has done it again with a book that I couldn't put down. I loved everything about the story line, the way the prologue left you with hope and intrigue about who wrote the note in the bottle...and the climax and ending was a true reflection point on a personal level. "
— Charity, 5/17/2011" Interesting and entertaining look at the afterlife. "
— Margaret, 3/12/2011" It was an interesting tale of some people who knew each other in college and have reconnected at a funeral. They all end up on an uncharted island. What happens while they are there raises a lot of questions. It was suspenseful and I did want to read on to find out what happened to the people. "
— Caryn, 12/13/2010" Makes you think about how you're spending time and the importance of how you live your life "
— Tina, 12/8/2010" We are discussing this book in our inspirational book club. And there is much to discuss. We found that knowing the characters before discussing the questions is most advantageous. Much to think about. "
— Betsy, 11/1/2010" What happens when you die and you have not accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior? This book explores in a wonderfully written story what might be. "
— Margaret, 4/9/2010" Creepy...original and suprise ending...gives much to think about "
— Lisaragamuffin, 3/2/2010" Oh my gosh!! This will now be on the list of my all-time favorite books. Everyone should read this for the great lessons it contains, plus it's very entertaining. "
— Gale, 12/28/2009" A clunker by an author I normally really enjoy. "
— Joanne, 10/29/2009" very thought provoking, with a surprising ending. "
— Lorna, 10/26/2009" I would love to spend a day in Angela Hunt's brain. This book is so unique and very beautifully written. "
— Dinasleiman, 8/29/2009" This book will make you look at things differently. <br/>How are you living right now? <br/>How would you change? <br/>Very suspense filled. "
— Joeann, 8/20/2009Angela Hunt Angela Hunt (AngelaHuntBooks.com) is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. For more, visit AngelaHuntBooks.com
Alma Cuervo is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and a stage actress and singer who has also performed in film and television. She holds an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama, from which she graduated in 1976 alongside Meryl Streep. She starred in the role of Madame Morrible in the first national tour of Wicked.