Five Strands in the Wilderness: Finding God When Survival Isn't Enough

What happens when five very different siblings must survive in the wilderness with only each other—and their faith—to rely on? Sixteen-year-old Zack struggles with ADHD and finding his place in the world. His brilliant mind sees solutions others can't, but staying focused feels impossible. Now, as the oldest, everyone's counting on him to lead. Eleven-year-old Bella is smart, organized, and has always had the answers—in her head, anyway. But book knowledge can't solve every problem, and faith isn't something you can study your way into believing. Eight-year-old Jojo would rather be anywhere but camping in the woods. She loves her siblings, but this? This is the worst. Yet she's the first to pray, the first to believe, the first to remind them they're not alone. Seven-year-old Eli loves the outdoors and loves his family even more. He sees beauty where others see danger, and his simple faith often cuts through their doubts like light through darkness. And three-year-old Gus? He just wants sticks, bananas, and to climb everything. But his joy, his wonder, and his pure heart remind them all what really matters. Seven days. No parents. Minimal supplies. Just five siblings and the wild. They must learn to catch fish when they've never fished alone. Build shelter when a violent storm threatens. Make impossible decisions when their leader falls dangerously ill. And most importantly, they must learn that their differences aren't weaknesses—they're exactly what makes them strong. Through hunger and fear, laughter and tears, frustration and triumph, these five children discover: That Zack's "scattered" brain can solve problems no one else can see That Bella's intelligence is a gift, but love matters more than being right That Jojo's prayers have power beyond anything they imagined That Eli's gentle spirit and observant eyes see truth others miss That even the smallest person—Gus with his sticks and giggles—has purpose But when crisis strikes and their oldest brother's life hangs in the balance, will their newfound teamwork and faith be enough? What Readers Will Love An Adventure That Feels Real From building fish traps to surviving storms, every challenge is grounded in real survival situations that will keep readers turning pages. Characters Kids Can Relate To Each sibling has authentic struggles—ADHD, perfectionism, attitude, big emotions, toddler chaos—making them feel like real kids readers know (or are!). Faith That Feels Natural Prayer and trust in God aren't preachy add-ons—they're woven naturally into the story as the siblings face real fears and discover real faith. Lessons Without Lectures Themes of teamwork, courage, using your gifts, and trusting God emerge organically through the story, never feeling forced or didactic. A Celebration of Family This is a story about siblings becoming a true family—learning to work together, appreciate differences, and love unconditionally. What Makes This Book Special Written originally as a gift of love for the author's own five children, Seven Days in the Wild captures the authentic dynamics of sibling relationships—the bickering and the bonding, the frustration and the fierce loyalty. Inspired by real children with real personalities, this story celebrates how God uses our differences to make us stronger together. "We're five strands woven together. Even stronger." This isn't just a survival story. It's a story about discovering who you are, why you matter, and how faith and family can help