Review: Hope in the Mountain River by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis


This epic journey is not at all what she expected. 
 
Joel Vargas can’t believe he’s lost his older brother in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains after surviving their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic. And he can’t shake the feeling that Adam—his only living relative—is in dire trouble. No matter what the cost, he and his band of friends won’t stop until Adam is found. He’s not sure if two Indian women they meet on the way will be a help or hindrance.

After the devastating loss of her daughter and husband to a sickness that swept through their Nez Perce camp, Elan is desperate to find an escape from her grief. As she and her friend journey through the mountains toward the great river, a band of white men is the last thing she expects to find, especially as winter blows in full force.

When the dangers increase, accomplishing Joel’s mission becomes the only hope for all their survival. If the elements don’t consume them, Elan has a feeling life will never be the same for any of them.


My Review

Another trademark wilderness adventure from this author that kept me glued to the pages as Joel and his friends team up with Elan and her friend Meksem to hunt down Adam and the elusive spotted horses. There is a strong spiritual thread with both Adam and Elan character arcs, as well as themes of grief, loyalty, friendship, and purpose. Each character is vibrant and I loved how the story came to life. The pace is steady throughout with a good balance between moments of introspection and exciting danger.

There was only one part that didn't make sense to me- that Adam, as a recent convert to God and faith, would have such a strong determination that Elan must also be a believer in order to have a relationship with him. While I understand the concept, it didn't ring true to his character and I would have thought that he would have more grace and allow her the time to learn and grow as he did. So that part seemed a little like the author inserting her own philosophy into the story rather than letting the characters develop organically.

Overall, I loved the setting, adventure, romance, and characters! I recommend reading the books in order for the best understanding of the group of men that the series centers around, but it can also be read on its own.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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