Duty. Honor. Country. That’s West Point’s motto, and every cadet who passes through its stone gates vows to live it. But on the eve of 9/11, as Dani, Hannah and Avery face four grueling years ahead, they realize they’ll only survive if they do it together.

Everyone knows Dani is going places. With athletic talent and a brilliant mind, she navigates West Point’s predominantly male environment with wit and confidence, breaking stereotypes and embracing new friends.

Hannah’s grandfather, a legendary Army general, offers a stark warning about the dangers that lie ahead, but she moves forward anyway, letting faith guide her path. When she meets her soul mate at West Point, the future looks perfect, just as planned.

Wild child Avery moves fast and doesn’t mind breaking a few rules (and hearts) along the way. But she can’t outpace her self-doubt, and the harder she tries, the further it leads her down a treacherous path.

The world—of business, of love, and of war—awaits Dani, Hannah, and Avery beyond the gates of West Point. These three women know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But soon, that adage no longer rings true—for their future, or their friendship. As they’re pulled in different directions, will their hard-forged bond prevail or shatter?

When you run a bookstagram account, you read so many books. Sometimes I lose count of how many I’m reading at once. Sometimes I focus on a single book and don’t come up for air until I am done. That’s what happened with Beyond the Point. When I started reading it, I had no idea just how much it would pull at my heartstrings.

Gibson tells the story of three women—Dani, Hannah, and Avery—over the span of seven years, from the sunset of their high school years to the dawn of a new, shared era at West Point Military Academy, in the wake of the devastating 9/11 attacks. We follow their intertwining stories as they form long-lasting friendships, striving to be the best they can be for their families, country, and faith. Through these women, we are reminded of the strength it takes to summon the courage to face challenges in both war and peace.

As a new author, reading other debuts has taken on a new significance. Still, I was surprised to find out that this was Gibson’s first novel—the writing is polished and seamless! If you love women’s fiction, historical fiction, or well-written stories about friendship, this is a book for you.