Books
In Sight of the Mountain
Published: 9/18/2019
In the devastating aftermath of the 1889 Great Seattle Fire, nineteen-year-old Anna Gallagher faces considerable pressure to marry well and soon. But she has no intention of giving up her freedom to keep house. She wants to be the first woman to summit Mount Rainier.
Anna’s grandfather couldn’t disapprove more. And after he discovers that she’s befriended a Duwamish woman in the forest, he threatens to disown her completely. Still, her resolve to summit doesn’t waver until she meets a fisherman who seems to love adventure as much as she does. He’s not the kind of high society gentleman who could save their family’s finances after the fire, but he adores her and treats her like an equal. Attempting to climb the mountain might cause Anna’s family to disown her forever. It might even ruin any future marriage prospects. But if she succeeds, she could pioneer the way for women mountaineers, and create a new identify for herself, something she’s been longing for her whole life.
Inspired by the trailblazing women of the 19th Century who dared to climb Mount Rainier, In Sight of the Mountain is a charming coming-of-age story, but it also casts the reader’s gaze upon issues of colonialism, class, and women’s far-too-narrow options.
Praise for In Sight of the Mountain
“An engaging escapade with a feisty female lead.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A beautifully written story. A must-read for those who are striving to fulfill their dreams…” — Seattle Book Review
“An epic and gripping work of historical fiction… the perfect historical read for fans of pioneering heroes and tales of triumph over discrimination.” — K.C. Finn, Reader’s Favorite (5 Star Review)
“As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, I found it entertaining to try to picture Seattle as a frontier town and see Mount Rainier without its modern trappings. The story begins with the 1889 Seattle fire (a true event) and I was immediately hooked… In all, In Sight of the Mountain is a really great read–compelling, educational, containing complex characters and a well-crafted plot. Recommended for all readers YA and up who enjoy historical fiction. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could.” — Donna Gielow McFarland, Reader’s Favorite (5 Star Review)
In Light of the Summit
The Rainier Series, Book 2
Published: 1/14/2021
This book received the Gold Medal in the YA Adventure Category in the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards!
After Anna Gallagher’s first climb on Mt. Rainier, she faces a new challenge-enduring the ridicule and threats that come with breaking tradition. In 1890, being a young female mountaineer makes polite society uncomfortable, even angry. But despite the threats and inherent risk, she still has plans for another climb, even if it jeopardizes her family bookstore, and puts her in more danger than she ever imagined.
Emily Watson has always been close with the Gallagher family. As a young girl she dreamed of a wealthy husband, a fine house, and a future in Seattle society and now she finally has it. Her desires couldn’t be more different than Anna’s, but she’s confronted with her own invisible mountain to climb when she’s suddenly poverty-stricken. She must decide what matters most, and whether true love is worth waiting for.
IN LIGHT OF THE SUMMIT is a captivating story of ambition, heartbreak, and redemption. It’s a tale of two childhood friends navigating womanhood in the late 19th century, with as much grace as they can muster, while still figuring out how to be true to themselves.
(Book Club Questions included at the end of the book.)
Praise for In Light of the Summit
“I love how independent, strong, and brave the female characters are in this book. […] This book has something for everyone. It has female friendships, romance, mystery, history, and adventure. If you are looking for a new historical fiction to try out, look no further than this series! I can’t wait until she publishes the 3rd book!”
— Nicole (5 Star Review)
“McGillen deftly writes these women’s stories, hardships and struggles and also a satisfying redemption when everyone and everything just seems so set against them. This story is a perfectly painted picture of women’s life in the late 19th century for those that break molds and pave the way for future generations. This was simply stunning!”
— Michelle, Nursebookie (5 Star Review)
“…absolutely breathtaking. The descriptions and character development by McGillen are stunning and there is a sense of mystery and awe that is spread throughout the book. I found myself tucking the book into my purse in order to get reading done throughout the day when I would be out running my errands.”
— Anya Leonard (5 Star Review)
In the Heart of Paradise
The Rainier Series, Book 3
Published: 11/1/2021
The Rainier Series continues with book 3!
When Anna discovers she’s with child, it doesn’t feel as wonderful as she’d imagined. She quickly feels trapped between the doctors blaming her for her morning sickness, older women wanting her to stay home, and very real risks to her baby. She’s caught between protecting her family and living a fulfilling life—an impossible choice.
Anna’s new friend Elizabeth is reeling from an unexpected loss, and she believes her nervous tendencies are getting worse. Her thoughts have always been strange, and the threat of ending up in an insane asylum is never far from her mind. When she meets a handsome stranger on the train, she wonders if she can simply keep her “fits of mania” to herself. But when she develops a phobia, she’ll have to face her most dreaded fear to save what she loves most.
In the Heart of Paradise is a deeply hopeful story that explores themes of mental health and motherhood in the nineteenth century.
Praise for In the Heart of Paradise
“A story that transcends time periods, divisions of a society, and culture. A timeless testament to the lives of women in the world and a true inspiration for young people… Thank you Jamie for always tackling such raw topics with so much grace. Your characters are so lovable and your books are so moving. Discussions surrounding indigenous culture were respectfully curated. I appreciate every word.”
— Brenda L. George (5 star review)
“Jamie McGillen does it again! […] This well-researched narrative that features determined female protagonists explores topics that are very much relevant today. It’s a novel that will fill your heart with hope and make you yearn to explore the outdoors.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
• feel-good historical fiction with themes that are relevant today
• beautifully depicted scenes set in nature that will inspire you to play more outdoors
• quick paced adventure with twists that will leave you breathless”
— Emily Goolsby (5 star review)