Review: A Daughter's Courage by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

After accidentally destroying the intricate chalice her people have treasured for over a hundred years, Charlotte Durand sets out on an expedition in search of a skilled artisan who can repair the damage. What she expected to be a two-day hike becomes much more daunting when a treacherous snowstorm sets in.

The last thing Damien Levette needs in the middle of a mountain blizzard is to tend to another person, but he can't leave behind the mysterious woman he found half-frozen at the edge of a mountain lake.

As they battle both the elements and each other, Charlotte and Damien must work together to survive the peril of the mountains--or it could be the downfall of them both.

My Review

While each of the books in this series can be read on its own, I would definitely recommend reading them in order to get to know the community and its members as each story builds on the next a bit. I've loved the mysterious concept of this group of people living so isolated from society in a network of caves. Naturally some of the younger people begin to feel interest about the outside world, and while Charlotte is a nurturer and excellent cook, she takes the journey to fix her mistake without hesitation. She had been a bit sheltered and comes across as naive in the beginning, but learns so much being stranded and fighting for survival alongside Damien. He makes a timely appearance and has secrets of his own, which are revealed slowly as he and Charlotte grow closer together and explore faith, companionship, and their own individual struggles.

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 Brides of Laurent series . . .

 

Review: Calm in the Mountain Storm by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This epic journey will test his ability to protect his children—and they’re all he has left.

Missionary Elise Lane returns with her team to the Rocky Mountain native tribe they serve to discover the entire village—including the children she’s come to love—has been massacred. A fierce brave standing at the edge of the devastation has taken the only surviving child.

Goes Ahead returns home with his son to find his worst fears have come true—his entire village has been slaughtered, including his wife. Only their infant daughter has survived. But there’s no time for grief or vengeance. He must get his children across the mountains to the protection of his family.

The last thing he wants is help from the white people who’ve brought this disaster on his village, but his babe is not yet four moons old. Her hungry cries prove he can’t make this journey without the white woman already nursing a babe of her own. But she refuses to come without the rest of her group, including the opinionated missionary who thinks she knows best for his children. As winter closes in and the mountains prove treacherous beyond anything Goes Ahead can control, only a strength and love greater than his own can save his children—and the woman he’s come to love.

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 love the adventures this author takes me on! This time we have Elise and her brother Ben traveling with Lola and White Owl from the previous book in the series. It's devastating to think about the bloodshed from the massacre, but the author moves on and focuses on Goes Ahead and his challenge to take his children across the wintery mountains to the village where he was raised. The group's mission to bring the gospel to the tribes allows them the flexibility needed to travel with him and provide assistance with his nursing baby and his wiggly young son. I loved the perspective of Goes Ahead with single parenting and the struggles with his children that his wife usually dealt with. It brought a level of vulnerability to the strong warrior and opened his heart to the message of faith from his new friends. It took him a while to trust, but their actions proved the intent, and even though the journey was rocky in more ways than one, Goes Ahead and Elise deepened their relationship along the way as they relied on each other and brought out the best in each other. I especially loved the reunion with Goes Ahead's estranged family and the healing that took place.

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 . . .

 

Review: Grace on the Mountain Trail by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

This epic journey is her last hope to find her lost brother—the only family she has left.

When Lola Carson’s father died, his last words spoke of a half-brother she’d never known about. And now, to claim her own inheritance and come to terms with her father’s secret life, she must find this mysterious man—whose last known whereabouts are somewhere west of the wild Rocky Mountains. After hiring family friends to accompany her on the trek, she sets out for a wilderness few white women have ever seen. She doesn’t expect the majestic peaks to captivate her so, nor the half-dead brave they find on one of the slopes.

White Owl left his village and his broken heart behind when he set out for fresh start. His newfound faith is the one anchor in his life. He’s desperate to learn more about the God he’s committed to follow and become an interpreter for the missionaries who led him to faith. But he barely starts his journey when a hunting accident nearly kills him. The woman who discovers him in the midst of his fevered delirium seems to be a gift from above.

But the more White Owl learns about Lola’s companions and her dangerous quest, the more he realizes his own calling is clear—to take her safely to her brother. The question is, will he have to sacrifice more than his heart to accomplish that goal?

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 was glad to be able to read White Owl's story after he had been rejected by Watkuese in the previous book. He has a gift of discernment, and senses that all is not right with Lola's situation. He knows where to locate her half-brother, giving him the opportunity to remain with the group as their guide and provide protection and support for Lola. I admired her tenacity in seeking out her brother despite her conflicted feelings. Naturally the wilderness presents several obstacles along their journey, and true to the author's style, this group does not reach their destination without their share of danger, injury, and faith-building experiences. I enjoyed the closeness that Lola and White Owl develop, especially with their faith in common. The original group of travelers has expanded quite a bit as the series has progressed, and it was special to see one of the original members unite with their 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.

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

 

Review: Peace in the Mountain Haven by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

This epic journey is her best chance to find the family she and her daughter long for.

Watkuese is desperate to return across the Rocky Mountains before winter sets in. Time is running out for her to get her adopted daughter back to the familiar surroundings of the Shoshone village before the grief of her parents’ death causes irreparable damage.

Hugh Charpentier has spent his life watching over his siblings, which meant also ensuring his brother’s widow and babe are settled well into their new life. Now he’s asked to help shepherd a woman and child he barely knows across the mountains. As hard as it is to keep up with a six-year-old in the treacherous Rockies, it’s not nearly as dangerous as risking his heart to a woman and child who may not ever be his.

My Review

Another epic wilderness adventure in the Call of the Rockies series! I like that these follow a group of friends and travelers (which grows with each book), yet each can be read as a stand alone. They can also be read in order for time continuity. Hugh is a newcomer to this group, joining them when his search for his sister-in-law came to an end. He's solemn and stalwart, which hides his insecurities and pain from his childhood. He's caring and compassionate with others, even when he has a difficult time showing it. Watkuese is grieving her friend's death and honoring her by taking in her daughter, who is also deep in grief, and acting out in unsafe ways. Hugh, his younger brother Louis, and Watkuese work together on their journey back to Watkeuse's tribe to protect the child and help her heal, and it takes time as they make their way through the dangerous terrain. The time also allows for introspection, spiritual growth, and bonding as Hugh and Watkeuse rely on each other. They develop wonderful chemistry and I really enjoyed their romance. A strong addition to 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 other books in the Call of the Rockies series . . .

 

Review: A Warrior's Heart by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Brielle Durand is a key defender and hunter for her people's peace-loving French settlement in the Canadian mountains. When a foreigner wanders too near to their secret homes, she has no choice but to disarm and capture him. She won't allow another massacre like the one that killed her mother a dozen years before. But now, what to do with this man who looks at her in a strange way?

Evan MacManus was on assignment to find among the caves the mineral pitchblende that might help America win the War of 1812. Despite being taken prisoner, Evan is determined to complete his mission. But when that assignment becomes at odds with his growing appreciation of the villagers and Brielle, does he follow through on the promise he's made to his government or take a risk on the path his heart tells him is right? Either choice will spell death for someone.

My Review

I absolutely love the premise that a community of people lived and thrived in the northern Canadian wilderness separately from the rest of society. It was fascinating to see real history woven with the author's worldbuilding. The details of the people of Laurent and their history added to the intrigue and adventure. Brielle is the leader of the hunters and has honed skills that provide and protect, but her tough persona is balanced by intuition and thoughtful consideration, especially when she comes to know Evan over time. I liked how she could sense that he was withholding from her, even as she grew to admire him. As always there is a strong faith element as Evan and Brielle come to terms with their pasts and the loyalties they hold. The romance that develops between them despite their roles feels genuine and I enjoyed their chemistry. A strong cast of family and community members brought a foundation that will last through 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 other books in the Brides of Laurent series . . .

Book Two

 

Book Three