On a Whim by Faith

The Atlas of Untold Stories

Written by Sara Brunsvold

Published by Revell

Release Date: 06.1725

Genre: Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction

4 Stars!

How do you map out the stories that live within us—the quiet fears, the small triumphs, the tender hopes? In The Atlas of Untold Stories, Sara Brunsvold takes readers on a literal and emotional road trip with a mother and her two daughters, weaving together faith, family, and the enduring power of literature.

For me, Chloe’s gentle joy and unwavering faith were what kept me turning the pages. Her bright spirit was a steady light through every mile of the journey, even when the story itself felt more like a meandering road trip than a deep exploration. I was especially drawn to the quiet conviction with which Chloe lived her faith—she didn’t tuck it away for convenience or comfort. This adventure was her way of honoring her Savior and Lord with every step she took alongside her mother and sister. It was a vivid reminder that faith isn’t just for the mountaintop moments; it’s for every muddy road and winding path along the way.

There’s a warmth and sweetness in this story, with moments that made me smile and others that prompted me to pause and ponder. I loved how the book wove in gentle humor and literary nostalgia, adding a cozy touch to their journey. Chloe’s love for exploring new places and her quiet resolve to honor God in the midst of family tensions felt like a soft thread of encouragement, inviting me to do the same in my own relationships.

Two quotes in particular echoed in my heart:

“Imagine the questions the disciples must have asked as they crossed into Samaria. Imagine the doubts they must have expressed, or how many times they tried to convince Jesus to go a different route. They couldn’t see what He did. They didn’t understand that being about the Father’s business often does look incomprehensible to the world. But how many lives were changed because of Jesus’s “unwise” choice? How many generations of lives?”

“She needed to be there. She needed to be about the Father’s business there. The certainty was immovable.”

This was a gentle, warm, enjoyable, and quietly luminous journey, with Chloe’s faith shining as a steady light throughout, lived out with quiet strength and joy.

She reminded me that the best stories are the ones that invite us to keep our eyes open to the Author of them all, and to live each chapter in wonder, grace, humble worship, and steadfast obedience.

I received a digital ARC and paperback of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.