NATIONAL BESTSELLER • ECPA BESTSELLER • The husband and wife behind the popular Earls Family Vlogs share their inspiring love story of how an expedition to climb Mount Everest deepened their faith, strengthened their commitment, and sharpened their vision to make a difference in the world. As a senior at West Point, Harold Earls dreamed of summiting Mount Everest after graduation and bringing … graduation and bringing awareness to the issue of PTSD in soldiers and veterans. But as a novice mountain climber and newlywed, could he really leave his wife, Rachel, on the other side of the world to pursue such a dangerous quest? After all, Rachel’s dream was to be a wife and mother. She knew that her husband’s audacious goal might lead to her to give up everything.
A Higher Calling takes us on a beautiful journey through the ups and downs of their relationship, from their unlikely introduction and whirlwind romance to their fairy-tale wedding and the dreams they shared. Dreams that required tremendous sacrifice and faith—in each other and in God.
As their dreams are realized, witness how Harold and Rachel used their powerful bond of love to overcome obstacles and learn that life is about doing versus having, serving versus getting, being versus wanting.
A Higher Calling shows each of us that when God’s purpose and our passion meet, we can transcend any sacrifice we make on the mountains of adversity. And as we approach life with an attitude of thanksgiving, we realize that being joyful and living in love is worth it. Every time.
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I’m grateful for Harold and Rachel, who use their influence to share the truth that even in the face of great adversity, our hope comes from the Lord!
This autobiography is told from the perspective of both a husband and wife, and I think that leads to authenticity and a better understanding of this couple. Part of the emphasis is on Harold Earls’ mission to climb Mount Everest. Part of the story is about his time at West Point and in the army. But then Rachel, his wife, gets to talk about the experiences from her perspective. She also shares about how she found her own mission and focus in the midst of her husband pursuing his dreams. Both Harold and Rachel agree that they are better together. But they are both quick to point out their mistakes and moments of selfishness in a way that still honors each other. This is a book about faith. This is a book about love. This is a book about commitment. This is a book about teamwork. Part of it happens to be set at the top of the world. What is unique about this story is the fact that Rachel happens to share a lot of their life online (Earls Family Vlogs.) So if you cannot get enough of the Earls, there is plenty more out there. I appreciate their honesty and transparency in the book and online, but it is not a tell-all without boundaries. They share their lives in a respectable and enjoyable way.
I chose to read a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley because I wanted to review it. Having met someone else who climbed Mt. Everest, I was curious what the experience was like for another man. All opinions are my own.
I initially picked up this book because I was interested in reading about the author’s climb of Mount Everest. However, this book covers much more than that. It begins as a sweet account of the love story between Rachel and Harold, who are pursuing college life across the country from each other. A mutual family friend encouraged Harold to contact Rachel over social media, and their relationship takes off from there. They soon marry, but their married life begins with Harold training to climb Mount Everest. As the book progresses, we hear the story of that climb and how that experience, plus his military service, impacted their marriage.
I liked that the book’s point of view switches back and forth between Harold and Rachel, and the switch goes very smoothly. It was fun reading about their courtship. The book takes a more serious turn as the story shifts into Harold’s account of his climb. I liked their open approach in this part of the story: Harold admits mistakes they made on the mountain; and Rachel’s honest about the toll all of this takes on her and their families. I did not know that they have such a large YouTube following, and I’m looking forward to watching some of their videos on there. All in all, it’s an interesting book. If you are an older reader, as I am, it will make you smile as you see them grow individually and as a couple. If you are in the younger stage of your marriage, you’ll be encouraged by the way they’ve tackled their problems and grown stronger as a couple.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.