Showing posts with label Misty M. Beller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Misty M. Beller. Show all posts

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Review: Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure by Misty M. Beller



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty, a hidden fortune…and a bride he can’t remember marrying.

Jude Coulter is far more comfortable in his family’s sapphire mine tucked in the Montana mountains than on the bustling streets of New York City, where he’s been sent to deliver a shipment of gems. His relief at boarding the train for the first leg of his journey home is short-lived when an accident renders him unconscious.

Angela Larkin worked hard to earn this assignment for the Treasury—an undercover mission to determine the source of the sapphires brought each year for auction in the city. When an accident causes her target to lose his recent memory, Angela jumps at the opportunity to create the ideal ruse. Jude seems surprised to learn the two of them had married and were returning from a glorious wedding trip, but his severe head injury keeps him from protesting…for now.

But the accident is far from the worst threat they face. When enemies close in, Angela and Jude must depend on each other to survive the treacherous journey home. As the danger mounts, so too does an attraction neither of them anticipated. But can their love withstand the revelation of their tangled beginnings?

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a pretend marriage, amnesia, undercover agents, and a love worth treasuring far more than riches.


My Review

This story took some unexpected twists and turns! Poor Jude, losing his memory made him lose his confidence, and the things Angela tells him about their relationship that are out of character for him throw him even more. He's in the middle of a long trip, far away from home, and it must have felt almost blind, to be working his way back without the benefit of seeing his memories or what he did. Angela was definitely working off the cuff when she made up the impromptu marriage story, not thinking through the dangers and consequences to come. She is so focused on doing her job right and accomplishing her task, but her heart is in the right place, which we discover along the way. Jude's faith and high standards of behavior intrigue Angela as they are in close proximity and trying to make their way to the ranch amid opposition and returning memories. Trust is a major theme in their story as secrets are revealed and choices need to be made. An exciting adventure!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series . . .

 
 

Monday, December 11, 2023

Review: Rocky Mountain Promise by Misty M. Beller



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Lorelei Collins possesses a soft heart for any animal in need, so when she finds a buffalo calf bawling beside its mother's lifeless body, she can't help but bring it home to raise on the ranch she and her sisters are building in the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Little does she realize that its white coloring is rare and considered sacred by Native Americans, which makes it highly valuable to them and the European trappers alike.

A flood of men visit their ranch to regard the marvel, some trying to woo Lorelei into marriage so she'll bring the buffalo calf along as dowry, and others trying to steal the calf outright. When the men's advances become more sinister, she approaches Tanner Mason, the quiet and mysterious owner of the new trading post, with an idea: She and the calf will move to his post, along with her family's trusted Blackfoot friend. This will solve both their problems, bringing customers to his trade room and protecting her family from the trouble brought on by so many strangers. Yet as the danger travels with her, Lorelei and Tanner are faced with a threat greater than anything they're prepared for--one that will test the limits of both their abilities and the love growing between them.

USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller delivers an exhilarating addition to the Sisters of the Rockies series fraught with peril, adventure, and romance amid the majesty of the Rocky Mountains.


My Review

While I appreciate a good wilderness journey adventure (which this author excels at writing), the atmosphere of the ranch and the fort brought a more homey vibe as Lorelei cares for the buffalo calf and Tanner establishes his business. Lorelei and her sisters show a great deal of care and loyalty for each other, and Tanner fit right in with his protective nature and desire to help solve problems. I also admired the sisters' Native American friend White Horse, whose mother they are searching for. It seems that the search will be the overarching plot that connects each book in the series. The white calf has a mystical history with the Natives and mountain men, and it was interesting to see to what lengths men would go to lay eyes on the calf, touch it, or just plain steal it. Lorelei and Tanner have their hands full, even with the help of White Horse, and the pace of the story increases as they protect the calf and the store while taking care of the ranch, Lorelei's sick sister, and coming close to finding the elusive Indian mother.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the first book in the Sisters of the Rockies series . . .



Monday, October 23, 2023

Review: Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty--and treachery--of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from
USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.


My Review

This begins a new series with four sisters from the East, venturing into the mountains on a quest to locate a Native woman who saved their father's life, returning her heirloom beads. Each sister has a unique personality, and I loved the way they complemented each other. Rosemary is the natural leader as the oldest and can be a bit domineering, but they all look to Juniper as well for thoughtful wisdom. Lorelei has a soft heart for animals, nurturing a coyote pup on their journey. Faith is enthusiastic and up for adventure, and follows the lead of her sisters. I was nervous for them as they stayed at the rendezvous with all the mountain men and no protector or guardian, even though they had weapons. Riley immediately saw their need for an advocate and fills the role slightly begrudgingly. The sisters learn to value his input, while not letting him dissuade them from their goal. There was a sense of anticipation with each Indian camp they visit, searching for Steps Right. I loved the natural chemistry between Juniper and Riley, and the sweet, slow burn romance that develops. The sisters made a pact at the beginning of their journey to not depend on any man or start a relationship, which provides the conflict in Juniper's mind as Riley becomes more integral to their mission. While they make some discoveries, the hunt for Steps Right continues and it seems that it will be the overarching plot that connects all the books in the series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the next book in the Sisters of the Rockies series . . .
 
 
 

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Review: Healing the Mountain Man's Heart by Misty M. Beller



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty…and a hidden fortune.

Jericho Coulter, the eldest of six fiercely devoted brothers, is entrusted with safeguarding his family and the secret that binds them together: the Sapphire mine. To keep tragedy from striking again, he allows no outsiders on their land. When two women stumble upon their ranch, claiming Jericho himself sent for one of them as a mail-order bride, he aims to send them straight back where they came from.

Dinah Wyatt, a talented and determined doctor, wasn’t about to let her twin sister travel to Montana alone and marry a stranger. Dinah’s skills are immediately put to the test when one of the younger Coulter brothers is gravely injured, forcing the family to trust his life to her.

As Dinah and her sister become entwined in the Coulter family's life, sparks fly between the enigmatic Jericho and the captivating doctor. In a world where trust is hard to come by and secrets hold the power to change lives, Jericho and Dinah must learn that sometimes, the most precious secrets are those buried within our own hearts.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a mail-order bride, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.


My Review

I'm thrilled for a new series from a favorite author! Jericho has no idea what to do with the two women who show up expecting Naomi to marry him, but it was fortuitous timing since Dinah was able to care for his seriously injured brother. The forced proximity gives the ladies time to get to know the family of men, all while the brothers are trying to keep the secret of the mine of sapphires on their land. Jericho is especially protective due to the charge his father gave him before passing away, reminding me of Travis Archer in Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer. I love how Dinah helps Jericho rediscover his faith and how trusting in the Lord requires us to let go of our fears. They have great chemistry and make each other stronger. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for the rest of the family!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Check out the next books in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series . . .








Friday, October 6, 2023

Review: Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows by Jody Hedlund, Lacy Williams, Misty M. Beller



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing



Synopsis

From bestselling and award-winning authors, experience Christmas on the rugged western frontier with three novellas filled with unforgettable adventures, enduring romance, and the timeless message of hope found in the Savior’s birth.

Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to keep her son safe, and she knows the best way to protect him is by marrying again and giving him a father. Weston Oakley needs a wife by Christmas to placate his meddling family, but after being spurned one too many times in love, he’s reluctant to give his heart away again. When they agree on a marriage of convenience, both of them get much more than they bargained for.

Doctor's Snowflake Bride by Lacy Williams
Minnie steps off the train ready to become a mail-order bride, but she finds the well-dressed man waiting for her isn't her intended husband. The protective oath Jed took when he became a doctor doesn't cover stranded women, but he can't leave the beautiful stranger alone in a building blizzard two days before Christmas. When circumstances force them into close proximity, Jed and Minnie find that their growing feelings aren't convenient at all.

Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend by Misty M. Beller

Two Stones, a Salish warrior accustomed to navigating between tribes and miners, unexpectedly finds himself summoned to the side of a dying friend in Virginia City. Sworn to honor the miner’s last wish, Two Stones agrees to marry his daughter, Heidi, but plans to take her to live with his parents. He’ll provide all her needs, make sure she’s safe, and visit her on occasion when his path leads him that direction. As they set out on the journey, their path is fraught with challenges that defy Two Stones' plans and reveal a surprising depth to Heidi's character. As they near the end of their trail and join the Christmas festivities at the Coulter Ranch, Two Stones begins to realize this inconvenient marriage might really be a Christmas gift he’ll always treasure.


My Review

I adore a good historical marriage of convenience story! This collection features three of my favorite authors, and I enjoyed each novella. The men and women are in circumstances that call for creative problem-solving, and forming a marriage bond strengthened their partnership to face the challenges before them. A strong work ethic is an admirable quality that all the characters shared, which helped make their match equally yoked as they take time to learn more about each other and deepen their affection. The first story by Jody Hedlund is especially romantic and is my favorite of the three. Novellas are a perfect way to give secondary characters from the author's other books their own story, and it's fun to see the characters we've grown to love as they encourage their friends and family on the path to love.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.


Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Review: Joy on the Mountain Peak by Misty M. Beller



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

Will this epic journey be their second chance or the final heartbreak?

Heidi Wallace came west with secrets. When she accompanied her cartologist cousin to map terrain in the Montana Territory, she never imagined he would die from a snakebite. As she and her maid bury the body in this wild country, the last person she expects to come to their aid is the man she's no longer sure she wants to find. But now that Ben Lane is standing before her... her heart demands answers. 
 
Ben never thought he'd see Heidi again... let alone find her burying a body beneath a pile of rocks in the fierce Rocky Mountain plains. A man she claims was her husband. The last time Ben saw her, tears cascaded down her pretty cheeks as he walked away forever. He'd planned to marry her. Planned to spend his life making her happy. But to protect her life, he had to leave her behind. Now she's alone again...and once more in danger. 
 
Heidi must finish her contract to map the Marias River. When Ben insists she'll need more than a maid to keep herself alive, he determines to travel with them into the treacherous northern country. As Ben and Heidi uncover each other's secrets, the threat of the mountain wilderness may not be half as dangerous as the love that once flamed between them. 
 
From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

My Review

I've come to love these intrepid travelers in the rough wilderness where danger lurks around every boulder, yet their faith and camaraderie get them through even the most trying of circumstances. The original band has grown quite a bit as they have married and extended their families and friendships. This was a fun one to read since I not only share my name with the main character, I also love to draw! I don't know that I'd be as dedicated as she is to her job of detailing every view along the river as she maps it as well. The group that joins her is patient and supportive, and it was sweet that she and Ben had the opportunity to get close again, after his lack of communication with her in the past. Dangerous falls, dangerous wildlife, and dangerous tribes ramp up the intensity in between slower scenes of introspection and connection.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Call of the Rockies series . . .







 

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Review: Honor's Mountain Promise by Misty M. Beller


My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it



Synopsis

They both want a new start, but nothing prepared them for this treacherous journey.

Finally on the right side of the law, Aaron Long expected his life to take an upward turn. Instead, he ends up with a bum leg and driving a freight wagon through the wild Rocky Mountains. At least he has the joy of his newfound faith in God. The last thing he expects in the middle of an urgent delivery to Settler’s Fort is to discover a woman begging him to take her the opposite direction. She’s heavy with child, so he can’t leave her, but neither can he take her where she wants to go.

Katie Barlowe has never had control of her life. Especially not when her parents married her off to a successful businessman who was determined to start a ranch in the faraway Montana Territory. Now she’s a widow left on her own in these breathtaking but treacherous mountains. She’s determined to forge a better future for herself and the new life growing inside her. To do so, she needs to get back to civilization before the babe is born. When she finally finds a freighter to take her the first leg of the journey east, all seems to be falling into place. Then the driver is killed and she’s left with a stranger who’s unwilling to take her farther than a tiny mining town, far from Fort Benton and the steamship she’d hoped would carry her home.

When Aaron and Katie set out through the mountain winter, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.


My Review

This fourth book in the Hearts of Montana series follows the journey of Nate's brother Aaron who wasn't the most pleasant person in the previous book. His injury has humbled him and I was impressed with his grit and determination in his job and helping Katie. The story follows a formula oft-used by the author- dangerous wilderness conditions, an injury or two, the desperate need to arrive at their destination before the winter storms leave them stranded, an increase of faith, and a dash of romance. Somehow I'm always up for the adventure! I loved Aaron's kindness with Katie and the way they supported each other. The delivery of her baby and the way he bonds with them both is endearing. I was surprised when the story ended as quickly as it did, but I think that meant that I was hoping for more of their story together.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Hearts of Montana series . . .