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.
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get a free bestselling novel here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure not only features a lovely cover, but also a unique plot sure to pique readers' interest.
The main characters were well-written, and while I usually favorite the male character, I think I actually liked Angela a bit better. Both she and Jude had excellent character arcs, and I'll touch on what I really appreciated about Jude in a minute. But Angela's arc was so raw. Beller excelled in making the reader feel Angela's pain, desire to prove herself, and the yearning for love and acceptance. The secondary characters were well-written, too.
As usual, it is the faith in a story, or lack thereof, that primarily determines the rating I give. And wow, this book was a whopper as far as the faith element goes. I loved how much Beller included. It was an excellent reminder to never be unequally yoked and that our faith should precede all else. This is what appreciated about Jude. His faith was unwavering and he sought Christ in everything. Unashamed, he gently told of hope and salvation, and it was beautiful.
The violence was tastefully addressed: characters get in physical fights and are punched, shot, shot at, attacked, kidnapped, and so on. The Civil War is mentioned and it is recalled how a child died at the hands of thugs and how a man perished in a protest. Nothing is gory or gruesome.
The romance was clean as well. Due to the plot's nature, amnesia causes man believes he's married to a woman (when he's not). They do share the same room, but nothing is untoward and everything is handled well. A couple kisses and hugs are the extent.
With an astounding faith element, lovable characters, and an intriguing plot, Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure is a story readers of Christian historical romance are sure to enjoy.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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.
Amnesia, fake marriage, & a mystery? Yes, please! Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure took all kinds of turns with a clever twist on the injury induced amnesia trope. Endearing characters, a swoon worthy, close proximity romance, & bad guys after a treasure kept me quickly turning the pages. There’s also a sweet faith arc woven into the story. Definitely a must read Western romance!
Jude Coulter’s been tasked with delivering a shipment of sapphires from his family’s Montana mine to New York. On the train ride home, he gets hit on the head by a crate. When he comes to, not only can’t he remember why he was in New York, but he’s also gained a wife.
Angela Larkin who works for the U.S. Treasury Department is on a mission to discover the location of the mine that produces the gorgeous sapphires that come up for auction every year. When the man she’s been following is injured & has amnesia, she jumps in with her quick ingenuity & offers to help him explaining that she’s his wife.
This story was so good! Poor Jude has no idea what’s going on & can’t remember marrying. As he stumbles his way through their journey back home, he relies on Angela to help him navigate. But, as he regains more of his memories, it’s hard to believe he would marry someone who doesn’t share his faith regardless of how attractive & kind she is.
There were so many swoony moments between these two. Jude is ever the gentleman, but he’s also a tease. I loved how the forced proximity dynamic worked. I also loved Angela’s faith journey. She’s from a mixed heritage family & grew up without faith other than attending a few Catholic masses. I loved how Jude helped her discover her faith.
There’s plenty of action too as a couple of bad guys are seeking the mine’s location as well. It’s a nail-biting journey as they travel by steamship, train, & horseback all while trying to evade the would be thieves.
Highly recommend to inspirational Western romance fans! I received an advanced complimentary copy from CelebrateLit but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
Fake marriage with a forced proximity element? Yes please!
Oh… and the ‘husband’ doesn’t realize it’s a fake marriage because he has amnesia? Yes PLEASE! Sign me up for all the swoony possibilities!
And there are lots of swoony moments in Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure, thanks to Misty M. Beller’s talented storytelling. I’ve got a soft spot for Jude anyway, after reading the first two books in this series, so having him as the romantic lead in this story was all kinds of delightful. There are a couple of scenes in this book that had me reaching for my fan and grinning at the same time – such a wonderful blend of romantic and fun. Angela is the perfect heroine for him, too, even if her reasons for latching on to him and creating the marriage deception aren’t exactly selfless. I enjoyed getting to know her character, including her career with the Treasury Department and her multicultural heritage. Her story is sympathetic, but her courage and tenacity are admirable. And Jude … Jude is just such a great guy. A man of integrity who is fiercely loyal to his family and loves God steadfastly. Did I mention how swoony he is in this book? He’s also great to have around when danger is afoot … or atrain… or asteamboat… or ahorse – well you get the idea of all the places that danger finds them on their journey back to the ranch.
Speaking of the suspense side of things, there were several twists that I didn’t see coming and which added to my enjoyment of the story. Beller always does a marvelous job of placing readers right in the middle of the harrowing journey she takes her characters on, and Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is no exception. I felt Jude’s tension as he tried to figure out the memories he was missing while also keeping the money from the sale of the sapphires safe (and I loved how he turned to God in prayer so easily). I felt Angela’s tension as the stakes for keeping the marriage illusion alive just kept getting higher. I felt the tension from both of them as they struggle to get back to the ranch safely and react to the surprises that leave them reeling. Not to mention the growing romantic tension between them… and we’re back to that (no surprise – this is me, after all lol).
Bottom Line: If you love western romance with vivid settings, a dose of danger, layered characters in forced proximity (with a marriage-of-convenience vibe) and a solid faith thread, then you need look no further than Misty M. Beller’s latest, Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure! The brothers of Sapphire Ranch are quickly adding more women to their clan, including Two Stones’ bride whom we met in the novella just ahead of this book, and I’m loving the subtle (and not so subtle) changes we see in them. Watching Angela and Jude fall in love – despite the unconventional start to their relationship – is sweet and fun and oh-so-swoony! But watching Angela find her Heavenly Father is even better. The suspense thread easily ensures that readers will stay on the edge of their seats and be invested in the outcome, and I’m even more eager than I already was for book four after the way this one ends!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure was an enjoyable addition to the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. While it is the second full length novel of the series, there is actually a novella that comes between this story and the first book. Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart is book one and tells Jericho’s story. Then, the novella, titled Marrying the Mountain Man’s Best Friend, is part of the Christmas Bells and Wedding Vows: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology collection and tells Two Stone’s story. Then, Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure tells Jude’s story.
This author is very good at weaving a clear cut faith thread through her stories. In this book, Angela is not a believer and has not been raised with any real understanding of God. Jude is a strong believer who made a vow to God that he would not ever yoke himself to an unbeliever. So, imagine his surprise when he wakes with amnesia from an injury and Angela tells him that she is his wife.
I was not sure if I would like Angela, knowing she was going to lie to Jude. However, the author created a very good scenario and reason for Angela to believe that she needed to go undercover through this lie. Also, I appreciated that she did not like telling this untruth, but felt it was necessary for her to do her job to the best of her ability.
I really enjoyed the second half of the story, as these two got to know each other better and really connected with each other. I appreciated that Jude was such a strong man of faith and was able to help Angela see her worth through God’s eyes in the way he treated her. This novel is a fun addition to the series and I look forward to reading the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is Jude’s story with his strong faith being leaned upon after being deceived. The heroine was set out to obtain valuable information for her job but unexpected events created more chaos. The depth of twists and tums filled with action kept the pages turning along with Beller ever present and gentle faith message of God’s Word to stand upon in all aspect of life even when the heart is involved.
I received a complimentary copy of this from the publisher and Celebrate Lit for the book tour. I have expressed my own thoughts.
“Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure” is a romantic and faith-filled story of love, trust, and transformation. I enjoyed the twisty-turny adventure and the revelations that transpired.
Angela and Jude are interesting characters that are effortless to connect with. They feel authentic and I empathized with them both. Especially Angela. Oh my, I felt her pain, despite her flaws, and hoped for her to have a good outcome. And Jude’s faith and character made me sigh more than once.
This is one of those stories that stays with you. I love the strength and power the story holds with spiritual awakening and transformation. Even if you haven’t read the previous stories in this series, this works so nicely all by itself.
First Line: The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets of New York City as Jude Coulter stepped out of the ornate office building. Series: Brothers of Sapphire Ranch, book 3 Genre: Christian Historical Romance Author: Misty M. Beller Page Count: 256
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I love this series, set in Montana, since I lived there for 20+ years. I've seen many parts of the Missouri River, including Fort Benton, and the Great Falls of the Missouri. It was easy for me to picture the scenery Jude and Angela may have seen on their steamboat trip.
This is such a captivating story, filled with both faith and deceit, and learning about trust.
If you enjoy adventure, mystery and a touch of romance, be sure to add this to your to-read list.
I’m binging this series like potato chips so I’ll write my thoughts when I finish the last book. One thing is driving me crazy, though: why didn’t they steal the money? Just saying.
In the rugged mountains of the Montana Territory, Misty M. Beller weaves a tale of hidden treasures, a pretend marriage, and a love that blossoms amidst danger and deception.
Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure takes readers on a thrilling journey from the bustling streets of New York City to the untamed wilderness of Montana. When Jude Coulter, a man of the sapphire mines, loses his memory in a tragic accident, Angela Larkin seizes the opportunity to create a ruse—an elaborate pretense of a marriage to uncover the source of the precious gems.
As Angela and Jude embark on their treacherous journey home, they must navigate not only the perils of the wild frontier but also the dangers of hidden enemies. Misty M. Beller expertly crafts a tale of suspense, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages.
Amidst the deception and danger, a tender romance blooms between Angela and Jude. I was captivated by Jude's unwavering commitment to his faith and principles, even as he grapples with lost memories and conflicting emotions. Angela's journey to discovering her true worth and finding solace in God's love added a poignant layer to the story.
Misty M. Beller's characters leap off the page with depth and authenticity. Jude's steadfastness and Angela's determination create a compelling dynamic as they face adversity together. Themes of trust, redemption, and the power of love resonate throughout the story, reminding readers of the enduring strength found in faith.
Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure is a gem of a novel, sparkling with adventure, romance, and faith. Misty M. Beller's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions transport readers to a bygone era, where the untamed wilderness and the human heart are equally unpredictable.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance, western adventures, and stories of faith and redemption. Whether you're a newcomer to Misty M. Beller's work or a longtime fan, "Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure" is sure to capture your heart and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series.
You are sure to discover a treasure trove of romance and adventure in Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure!
I received an eARC of Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure from Celebrate Lit Tour via BookFunnel. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the super writing and story’s beautiful content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
“You, Lord, are a healer of hearts. The only One mighty enough to redeem us when it seems impossible.”
If you are a fan of clean, historical westerns with dollops of romance and faith, Misty Beller is an excellent author to follow. Ms. Beller has quite a few books out, and since I can’t quite keep up with her prolific output, Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is the first book of this series I’ve read. It’s actually the third in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series but could be a stand-alone. I believe it’s probably better read in order of publication, though.
Desperate for a reason to follow Jude Coulter back to his home and source of his sapphire shipments, Angela Larkin, a treasury agent, uses Jude’s amnesia on the train to her advantage. How long can she claim to be his wife before Jude’s memory returns and he finds out her deception? Angela doesn’t like lying, but surely this is a case of doing something for the greater good.
As Angela and Jude travel first on the train and then on the steamboat together, they each find the other very intriguing and appealing. But Jude has made a solemn promise and Angela is out to catch a tax evader and worse.
How does God fit into this story? His hand is actually working throughout, though Angela wants nothing to do with God at first. I love that Jude and God had a lot of conversations about her! "I'm continually amazed at how God brings things together in ways that only He could manage.”
I enjoyed meeting some of the Coulter brothers and other family friends whose stories are probably told in the first two books. I definitely want to go back and find out Two Stones’s story!
My one reservation about this book is it seems to have been hurriedly written and needs more editing. The number of grammar mistakes, missing words, and misuse of homonyms was quite unusual for a Misty Beller book and lowered the enjoyment.
I received a copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables: (Made me think.) “…truth wasn't only in the words she spoke, but in the meaning the other person understood.”
(Made me laugh.) “…it sure would be nice if God wouldn't have given people so much free will.”
(Made me cry.) “She knew rejection well. It had been her friend every time she stepped foot out the door of their flat when she was a kid. No one looked past the races of her parents to see her. To decide if she was worth knowing.”
Misty Beller delivers an excellently written Christian historical romance novel to readers. This captivating book is a real page-turner that will keep you enthralled from start to finish. You'll definitely want to keep reading until you've reached the very end! It is relatively short, yet the length seems to be where it should be for a book of this genre. Jude Coulter, the remarkable protagonist of our story, is a man striving for simplicity in his life. He is deeply committed to his faith and prefers the tranquility of working on his family's farm and sapphire mine. However, God has other plans as he finds himself compelled to take over the family business due to unforeseen circumstances. On a fateful train journey, ever the gentleman, Jude experiences an unfortunate incident that leads to temporary memory loss. It is during this disoriented state that he crosses paths with Angela Larkin - an incognito Treasury agent whose presence promises to add an intriguing twist to Jude's life. Angela is dispatched to spy on Jude, with the task of locating his hidden sapphires and verifying the legality of his family's business. This requires her to deceive Jude, an act she is uncomfortable with. Beller's narrative suggests that even without Christian affiliation, individuals like Angela inherently understand concepts of morality and immorality. While Angela acknowledges the existence of God, she resolutely refuses to surrender herself as a follower or accept Him as her Lord and Savior. This book features a storyline filled with deception, both obvious and subtle. It's a romance that also doubles as a suspense thriller, taking readers on a thrilling journey through various locations and scenarios. The two main characters, Jude and Angela, seem to develop romantic feelings for each other. However, Jude is a Christian who adheres to God's teachings that warn against being unequally yoked with non-believers. As believers, we are no longer part of the devil's world once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Angela has a decision to make, as we all do. Will she choose to pursue her first love, or will she miss out on the true love that can only be found in Jesus and then potentially find love with Jude? It's up to you to join her on this journey and discover the outcome. Beller beautifully illustrates that while some may resist change, there are others whose unwavering dedication to Jesus and compassionate evangelism inspire a desire to experience His love. Through their complete devotion, they encourage others to love Him wholeheartedly. Beller effectively underscores the transformative power of leading by example and demonstrating steadfast commitment to Jesus, thereby inspiring others to fully embrace His boundless love. I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
PROTECTING THE MOUNTAIN MAN'S TREASURE is a story about a man protecting his family and their sapphire mine and the woman agent who is assigned to follow him and forms a fake relationship when he loses his memory. A journey ensues where the characters try to make things work, fight to escape danger, learn to trust in God, and try to resist falling in love.
I really liked these two main characters. Jude was dependable and a gentleman who wanted to protect his family, but also Angela. Angela has had a rough life and she just wants to do what is right and prove to her boss that she is worthy of his trust. I tend to enjoy fake relationship tropes, although this one is a bit different since Jude doesn't know if he is or isn't actually in a relationship with Angela. Angela was quite the little actress.
The plot itself was a steady journey from New York to Montana with a few climatic spots. The climaxes took turns between the chemistry building between Jude and Angela, and where these characters faced danger. There was a happy reunion at the end with family, which was lovely.
There were some issues I had with the story. The basis of Angela following Jude wasn't consistent. The fake relationship didn't really work, although I thought the author gave it a strong go. Nor was there a reason the villains wouldn't take Jude's money from that year's sapphire sales but instead chose the riskier venture of waiting another year and following him to find the source. The religious element was stronger than I prefer. Stories where the romantic interests are different faiths and one of them has to change in order to find a happily-ever-after is always a difficult aspect to write well and rarely works for me, especially when the change is almost instantaneous. There were sections that I felt I could have easily skimmed and I wouldn't have missed anything, which is never a good sign.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This wasn't as enjoyable as I was hoping for. I still enjoyed it, but I think the overall premise and how things worked out didn't quite work for me. The characters were likable and the writing was decent, so it just wasn't a good fit for me.
Content: Some innuendo and violence. Clean. Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Are you searching for a captivating Christian Historical Romance that will sweep you off your feet and keep you eagerly turning pages late into the night? Look no further than Misty M. Beller’s latest novel, “Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure.” In this tale of love, duty, and hidden treasures, Beller masterfully crafts a story that will capture your heart from the first chapter.
Set against the backdrop of the rugged American frontier, “Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure” follows the story of Angela Larkin, a determined agent for the US Treasury. Angela’s mission? To uncover and stop any illegal activities that threaten the integrity of the United States government. Her target? The enigmatic Jude Coulter, a rancher and sapphire miner, is suspected of cheating the government.
But fate turns unexpectedly when Angela is on a train ride with Jude. An injury leads to Jude’s amnesia, leaving him vulnerable and dependent on Angela’s care. Seizing the opportunity to get closer to her target, Angela concocts a plan: a fake marriage that will allow her to gain Jude’s trust and uncover the truth behind his activities.
As Angela and Jude navigate their fake marriage, sparks fly, and emotions run high. But danger lurks in the shadows amidst the blossoming romance, threatening to unravel their carefully constructed facade. With twists and turns at every corner, “Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure” will keep you guessing until the end.
One of the standout features of Misty M. Beller’s writing is her ability to develop richly layered characters and intricate family relationships. From Angela’s unwavering determination to Jude’s rugged charm, each character leaps off the page, drawing you deeper into their world. And with a storyline filled with surprises and heart-pounding moments, you won’t be able to put this book down.
So, if you’re in the mood for a captivating Christian Historical Romance that will transport you to the untamed wilderness of the American frontier, look no further than “Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure” by Misty M. Beller. With its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and timeless themes of love and redemption, this book will become a cherished addition to your reading list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This is a great addition to a wonderful series by this talented author. I love reading about the travels during this time period where trains were used to go to different places. I couldn’t imagine being on a dusty train for days with no privacy. The way the author brings Angela and Jude together is quite ingenious. Poor Jude doesn’t remember anything when an accident aboard the train takes his memory. It’s the perfect opportunity for Angela to step in and put her plan into action.
Their journey takes them deep into danger while secrets keep Jude in the dark. Angela has this need to prove herself because she has been treated unfairly throughout her life because of her heritage. I liked how Jude never wavered from his faith and wondered why he would marry Angela who didn’t believe in God.
As Jude starts to get his memory back, he suspects that Angela was not who she said she was. Why was she so determined to keep secrets from him? Watching her try to decide what to do, she begins to think about God. She can’t believe that God would want someone like her who is deceitful. As her story unfolds sympathy rises in Jude. This woman has been through a hard life losing her brother and trying to find a better life for herself. Working with the Treasury Office she had hoped to prove herself worthy. Now all her lies have been exposed. Can Jude forgive her?
The story picks up speed as danger gets too close to Angela . Angela is in over her head and Jude must step in to save her but will she finally tell him the truth? As they travel through the mountains Jude has time to explain about God more to Angela. We see a side of Angela that has been lingering just at the surface. She has never felt she was good enough. I love how the author illustrates redemption and forgiveness in this story. Angela has been lost for so long, but now she wants to know God. As they travel through the mountains her heart begins to soften.
The journey to reach home is long and filled with bumps in the road but Jude finally sees his family. He has much to share with them but most importantly he has brought Angela with him. Their story is emotional and one that shared how forgiveness can bring freedom to someone who once thought they were not worthy.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Coulter's are back, and this one is second brother Jude's story. Since Jericho has a new bride, Jude is tasked with going to New York to trade in the jewels from the family's mine for cash and supplies. Jude does not like leaving the Montana ranch but knows he can accomplish this trip in a few months and be back home. He is a little bit edgy with being tasked with his family's livelihood, and he has every right to be. And then he has a freak accident.
Angela Larkin is trying to prove herself to her boss and team at the US Treasury department that she can get the information on the Coulter family and their so-called illegal doings. She finds just the opportunity when Jude loses his most recent memories due to the accident, so she steps in and pretends to be his wife. How long can this ruse last? Hopefully, till he takes her back to his home.
Jude has his suspicions; he knows himself too well. What is this Angela person up to? And why is she so pretty and kissable? What kind of danger is she involved in and why is it following him? This was a fun story if you like amnesia, pretend marriage, and the truth setting one free. There were some unexpected twists and turns and an impossible romance, or so it seemed.
There was quite a lot packed in this story, even a subplot that opens up for the next book in regard to Jonah Coulter and Naomi that looks to be quite riveting. I am looking forward to continuing this series.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure by Misty Beller is Book 3 in her Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Series. I did not previously read the first two books, but after finishing this one, I definitely will.
Jude Coulter (one of the brothers of Sapphire Ranch) is given an assignment to deliver gems from their Montana sapphire mine to New York City and then return home with the payment. He’s way out of his comfort zone, as this is generally his oldest brother’s job.
Angela Larkin is an undercover agent for the Treasury department assigned to investigate the source of the sapphires Jude had in his possession. She will go to great lengths to be sure she successfully completes the assignment—including duping Jude into believing he married her after he hit his head causing memory loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of both of these characters. They were both real and relatable. Ms. Beller does a wonderful job of stringing the suspense along so the reader is completely engaged.
This is a fun read with plenty of drama and mystery. Although it is part of a series, it’s not necessary to read the previous books in order to understand what’s happening. However, it does make me want to go back and read books one and two, and I’m awaiting the release of Book four—the last in this series.
If you enjoy good writing, historical romance, and some edge-of-the-seat drama, you will love Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but the opinions are my own.
My review today is on the Historical Christian Romance, Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure. This is book three in the series, Brothers of Sapphire Ranch. I'm a huge fan of Mistie's work and I'm always thrilled to get a new book from her. This story is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. I know you are going to love it.
Jude Coulter takes his first trip to New York to deliver the families sapphires. Usually his older brother takes them. He is on his way back when there is an accident and he has amnesia. A woman comes forth and says she is his wife. Something is wrong here. He would never take a wife that fast and she is not a believer. He must protect his family and their mine.
Angela Larkin is from China. She has worked hard to get where she is. She now works for the Treasury Department and is sent on an undercover mission to find out where he is getting the sapphires. He needs to pay tariffs on them. When he is struck by a crate on the train she sees her chance to get close to him to find out about the jems. She tells everyone she is his wife.
A long arduous journey across the United States. First by train and then by ship. Things shift when the enemy closes in on them. God has a plan for these two, a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan for peace and not for harm. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life.
Another beautiful story by Misty!! Having absolutely loved the books when one of the characters comes to Christ I was happy that this was another story involving that. The circumstances of Angela and Jude’s meeting were certainly exciting and through it all she saw Jude living out the Gospel and it made it even more real than just his words.
It was filled with mystery and danger like only Misty’s books are! And the first kiss 🫠🫠🫠. I loved Jude’s commitment to the vow he made to God about the woman he would marry. Even though he was drawn to Angela and definitely attracted to her he was not going to betray that and it just made me love him even more. Oh I was definitely rooting for them but I appreciated his holding to that promise.
Angela wanted to prove to everyone she was worth something that she was worth being an American thought her family had emigrated from China. She was filling the empty places with recognition from people and not from the One who really sees her. But God used her mission and even the lies she told to show her he cares both through Jude and the danger they face.
Overall it was such a good read and I can’t wait for Naomi and Jonah’s story.
P. S. I already don’t like Eric. And I may have secretly wished her and Jonah had already married but I know it will all work out. 😌
Another lovely book in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series!
Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure is a story with an intriguing plot, wonderful characters, a western backdrop, and a beautiful faith element.
Both Jude and Angela fit together so well. I had my doubts about Angela at first, but Misty did an excellent job of giving her a solid reason for lying (at least in Angela's mind). And more than that, Angela also had a conscience that burned about the lie she was performing. That made her a far more sympathetic character. Her backstory was quite touching as well and put her desperation in perspective.
And then there was Jude. I absolutely loved his commitment not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. His firm stand, even when it was difficult, was laudable, especially since he did it with gentleness and courage in sharing the gospel.
The journey with its various modes of travel (train, steamboat, horseback) was fun to read about. Misty always does a great job of bringing the setting to life.
I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series. The sneak peeks in this book were just enough to get me itching for its release, not to mention the ending. Ack, I really need to get my hands on it . . .
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Misty M. Beller has done it again. Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is the third book in her Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. In the first book we spent time getting to know the Coulter brothers. In Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure we don’t see much of the rest of the family. The story focuses on Jude’s return trip from the annual excursion to New York to sell the sapphires they have mined. He develops amnesia that covers his entire time away from home for this trip. Angela claims to be his wife and takes care of him, but Jude has no recollection of meeting her let alone marrying her. In spite of his memory issues, Jude continues to rely on God and continually prays for guidance in the uncertainty of his current situation. The story is filled with accidents, lies and learning who to trust. Beller has crafted a story that is hard to put down. Readers will be intrigued by the events of the plot. There is enough mystery to make the readers wonder what the truth really is. While Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is an adult historical novel, it could find a place in a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for high school students. I received a complimentary copy of Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure. This is my honest review.
What a great adventure. This series is full of twists and turns and keeps your interest with each page. The Coulter men have a treasure that they are protecting, and they have managed to do this for years. Now Jude has taken the gems to New York to sell as they do annually, and he is facing dangers he has no idea are coming.
Angela works for the Treasury department and her new assignment is the handsome Jude Coulter. It's a shame he is cheating the government that she loves so much, as he seems to be a nice, and kind man. When an opportunity presents itself, she takes advantage and moves in to get close to Jude. She too has no idea of the danger they will both be in and how meeting Jude will forever change her life.
There are lots of adventures and surprises along the way and we get to watch these two learn to depend on each other as well as God and fall in love. What a great story and a great series. I can't wait for the next book to pick up where this one left off. Each book is focused on one of the brothers but each also builds and continues with the family so the journey continues. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure is the third book in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series by Misty M Beller. This story takes over where the last one ended so it is best to read them in order. It is well written and with parts of suspense and touches of romance. The writing is very descriptive so it is easy to imagine the story and what is happening. I found the majority of the characters to be good, supportive and of others. Jude has taken the shipment of Sapphires to New York City. On the train home, a package falls on his head and he loses his memory. Angela is sent on a mission to find where the sapphire mine is and takes advantage of the situation to claim she is married to him. This is an enjoyable story to read. I found the scheme Angela forms to be interesting. While Jude has no memory of marrying her, he protects, respects and honors her. It is enjoyable to see how their relationship changes throughout the story. I enjoyed the suspense surrounding Angela's mission enjoyable and watching the truth unfold. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.
I really enjoy Author Misty M. Beller, I discovered her books about 5yrs ago. Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure is Book 2 in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. I have not read the first book in this series, but I intend to read it soon.
I truly enjoyed this book from the beginning, the storyline is so sweet. Jude Coulter is one of the main characters. He really enjoys his job in the family Sapphire Ranch. He does not enjoy having to go New York to deliver some Gems. Angela Larkin is on a undercover mission and it involves Jude Coulter. Angela's sneakiness in pretending that she and Jude are married when he suddenly has amnesia. The dangers and Twists and turns that lurk for Jude and Angela really make this book extremely interesting and kept me intrigued. I really LOVE that Jude and Angela become closer through all the threats of danger and rely on their faith throughout the book. Misty M. Beller has another GREAT book! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!
This is book three is the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch and I have read book one but sadly somehow missed book two. I say sadly because I love this family so much that I don’t want to miss anything. This author never fails to draw you into the realm of her characters and make you feel so at home that you never want to leave. From the beautiful cover to the last sentence you will be engrossed. I love Angela and her realization that God is real and cares about her. This book is well rounded with intrigue, romance, danger, and faith. I look up to Jude as he is not just strong physically but strong in character and I loved his prayers. Turn the pages quickly and be swept away to 1869 from New York to Montana Territory and the dangers that await along the way. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book and the adventures the family faces in the future. Add this to your must read pile. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure is a wonderful historical fiction novel you’re going to love! And it’s part of a series, book 2 in fact! This author is amazing and a favourite of mine. She does amazing work on historical fiction novels with just enough suspense and romance to boot!
In this book, we follow Jude. He loses his memory and then when memories are being supplied to him he questions them. They seem so out of character. Angela is the one filling in blanks but she’s also making up some stories of her own. Like the fact that they’re married.
This was such a fun book! I loved the solid faith aspect and the wonderful and engaging characters. Definitely one I would read again!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Another delicious addition to the Coulter family saga. Most of this story takes place away from the ranch as Jude travels for the first time to deliver their shipment of “strawberries” to New York. After the transaction he nervously carries the satchel full of money close to him. The long journey involves travel by train, steamboat and eventually horseback. He unexpectedly acquires a travel companion in Angela Larkin, an undercover agent for the US Treasury. Her assignment is to follow Jude and find out where the family mine is located. But after he hits his head and loses his memory she convinces him that they are married. Oh what a tangled web we weave…. Travel along with these two on the treacherous journey that finds them in danger from those Angela thought she knew. I enjoyed Jude with his strong faith and his continual prayers, and he needed them! I’m never disappointed with any story penned by Misty Beller and I’m looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure is book three in the Brothers Of Sapphire Ranch series by Misty M. Beller. I have so been enjoying this series and very much enjoyed Jude and Angela's story. This book is full of adventure and intrigue and, like most of Misty's books,a bit of danger and the obvious romance. I was cheering for Angela and Jude throughout the book and at times wondering how Misty was going to bring the two together. The underlying theme of forgiveness, redemption and grace both from characters and from God makes the book a must read in my opinion. Make sure to pick up a copy soon as you are sure to enjoy this one. If you haven't read anybof Misty's books be sure to pick up Healing the Mountain Man's Heart to start at the beginning of the series. I hope you love these books as much as I do.
I received and early release copy of this book with no requirements or conditions.