Our family's story of adventure, mysteries, and tragedy
Religion / Christian Living / Grief / Nonfiction
Date Published: November 4, 2025
Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing
My Mountains is a tender, soul-searching memoir about grief, faith, and
the quiet strength it takes to keep climbing. Set in the rugged beauty of the
Rockies, it tells the story of a mother who endures devastating loss and
finds, not answers, but presence—in the trees, the trails, and the God
who meets us in our pain.
This book is for anyone who has stood at the edge of heartbreak and wondered
if joy could still be real. Through lyrical storytelling and honest
reflection, My Mountains offers hope without platitudes and peace without
pretending. It reminds us that we’re not alone on the trail—and
that sometimes, the steepest paths lead to the most beautiful views.
Whether you are grieving, searching, or simply longing for beauty again, this
book will walk beside you—and leave you changed.
Interview
What was your main drive to write this book?
My Mountains was a legacy project for my late wife and my eldest son. I feel like I have now left a legacy for their lives. One that is in print, digital and audio. When I get ‘real’ old, my kids won’t have to go through the exercise of asking me to document my life for them. It’s already done!
What do you hope readers will learn by reading this book?
Tragedies feel unfair. Miracles feel underserved. Both are unexpected. Life feels random and unpredictable. God is still in it though. I want readers see hope as they experience my life’s scenes and the decision making process I went through.
Did you do much research when planning this book?
A little. I looked up statistics on things like drug overdose deaths like the one my son went through. I studied the University map to make sure I referenced the correct buildings in the scenes of my relationship development with my future wife. My mother published a book recently, and gave me several books about writing non-fiction. I also watched many YouTube videos on book writing and publishing.
Did you have any main people who helped you in the process of this book or influenced you to write it?
My late wife bought me a ticket to a mini conference put on by a successful Christian author, Bob Goff. It was called The School of Whimsy. It was to motivate people to get out and do the one thing in life you really wanted to. Out of the 30 participants, a few wanted to publish a book. I had no idea of my big goal, but I went to please my wife. On the way to the second morning, I ran into the host, Bob Goff and his wife at a local coffee shop on the way to the seminar. He said I really should write my story. My late wife died 2 weeks later, so I began writing about her story. Jessica Sherer was my structural editor. She was well worth it. She helped me organized the story to be more impactful. She helped me develop characters and explain my feelings.
How long did this book take you to write from initial thought to hitting publish?
2 years and 6 months
Do you have plans to write more about this topic or new topics?
I have remarried and feel as though I started a whole 2nd life. It is full of love, new families but still beautiful memories with old family members. I would love to describe the transition from years of trials and loss to beautiful new horizons and abundance. I love lyrical story telling. I’d love to take the character of one of my children, or maybe a grandchild and create a story their life could take. Then I could develop a character I know really well and have fun creating a fanciful or meaningful life story about them.
About the Author
Chris Smith is an entrepreneur and owner of multiple healthcare businesses
across five states. He’s a father of six, grandfather of fifteen, and a
natural leader who inspires others to pursue meaningful missions.
He feels closest to God in the mountains—hiking, paddleboarding,
camping, and finding peace in wild places. My Mountains is his invitation to
walk through hardship, hope, and the sacred beauty of life.
Chris loves people (but not crowds), old books, big views, and a life
that’s honest, hard, and full of purpose.
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