In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.
Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared after a business trip, never responding to her letters. She’s now alone with a beautiful baby to provide for, a daughter whose red hair reminds her daily of the man she gave her heart to. She has to move on, though, and she did, going west with her sister. When Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better father for her sweet child. He’s a Coulter, after all, and he’s proven to be a good friend during her darkest hours.
Eric LaGrange thought he’d lost Naomi forever. But when he finally gets word that she’s in the Montana Territory, he drops everything to go after her…and their daughter? How could Naomi have kept their beautiful child from him? And how could she move on so quickly that she’s already engaged to another man? He loves Naomi so much that he’ll accept whatever choice is best for her, but is that him…or this settled rancher who clearly cares for them? No matter what, he’s determined to know his daughter and become the father he always wanted to be.
With Eric’s sudden appearance, Naomi’s heart is shredded once again. She barely has time to catch her breath before a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a second chance romance, love triangle, hidden treasure, and faith that heals wounded hearts.
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.
Earning the Mountain Man's Trust is the third installment in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series.
Romance, faith, and second chances collide in this Christian historical romance, and the reader journeys with two characters struggling to reconcile the past. As always, I appreciated the infusion of faith, which primarily came in the form of prayers. Mary Ellen is a darling, and it was nice connecting with Dinah and Jericho again.
While the romance is clean and wholesome, it is implied a couple engaged in premarital relations, from which a child was conceived. They both recognize their error and are determined to do right by the other. Beller handled this quite tastefully. It is also insinuated a nasty villain took physical advantage of a woman. Again, this is handled tastefully.
The vision-like dream caught me off guard and “hell fire” is used. More sensitive readers should note that characters engage in a fist fight, it is mentioned a character died in an accident (no unnecessary details are given), and a character is shot. Typical western fare, and nothing is gory.
Fans of Misty Beller are sure to enjoy this continuation of the series.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have been pro-Jonah-and-Naomi ever since book one of this delightful series so, after the way Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure ended, I went into Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust determined not to like Eric (never mind that he shares a name with my husband, something that would normally be a mark in his favor). But doggoned if I didn’t come to appreciate him pretty quickly, thanks to Misty M. Beller’s stellar character development and unpacking parts of his and Naomi’s story that we didn’t already know. Don’t get me wrong … my heart is still firmly drawn to sweet Jonah, and I can’t wait for him to find his happily-ever-after in the next book. But after I watched Eric with Mary Ellen (his little girl) and saw his deep love and affection for her – and for Naomi – and Naomi’s feelings for him, I could clearly see how the trio belonged together as a family and ended up wanting it not to turn out any other way.
Along with making my fears of the dreaded love triangle disappear almost immediately, Beller has woven several compelling layers into the plot, further evidence of her stellar skills in character development and storybuilding. I won’t get into them too much here so as to avoid spoiling anything for you, but suffice it to say there’s more to the book than ‘just’ a second chance romance. Intriguing new characters mingle with the familiar, already-beloved ones and set up at least one storyline for the next book as well as giving Dinah some opportunities to practice her doctoring skills.
Bottom Line: Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust by Misty M. Beller is a sweet second chance romance with multi-dimensional characters and a vibrant mountain setting. The Coulter clan are some of my very faves among Beller’s characters, and I hope we get to keep visiting with them for many more stories. Even though neither of the main characters in this book are official Coulters, Naomi and Mary Ellen are definitely a big part of the family nonetheless, and I really enjoyed watching them find a long-delayed happily-ever-after with Eric LaGrange. The layers to this story cover a gamut of compelling twists, from medical emergencies to weather events, traumatic memories and complex visitors. Already eager for Jonah’s story next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Before starting this story, I was very hesitant. You see, I had it in my mind that Jonah was the man for Naomi. Based on the way they got to know each other and grew to care for each other in earlier books, I thought I had it all figured out. However, Naomi remained sad and worn down, as if so much more had happened in her life than the little peek we had into it. And as the end of book two drew near and I realized that Eric, her first love and her child’s father, was entering the picture again, I worried that it would be a love triangle…something I do not care for very much in stories. So, I was definitely hesitant. However, this author has written some of my favorite novels…so I should have known better.
What did I get in this story instead of the love triangle I dreaded and the loss of a friends to more story? Well, I got one of my very favorite tropes instead…second chance at love! There were things that happened that kept Eric and Naomi apart. These things were out of their hands and without their knowledge. There were painful truths that they both had to face. There was beautiful bonding time between Eric and his baby girl. There was a love that was still there between them, simply bruised from their time apart and waiting to be healed. This beautiful reunion story was a joy to read and I am so glad I did!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A great addition to the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. I was excited to read Naomi’s story as she carried a lot of pain and I wanted her to find happiness for her and her daughter. I thought she was finding that with Jonah Coulter, as who can resist a rugged Coulter brother, but does God have other plans to restore what was once stolen from her. Will what once seemed as abandoned come to light as someone else using deceitful practices to keep her from the one who held her heart. A complicated story that keeps you turning pages to find out the truth. I love the descriptions of the terrain and the strength it took to survive in such rugged conditions. If you haven’t read this series I suggest starting at the beginning as you won’t want to miss out on this family and their loyalty to the ones they love. I look forward to more, as this author never fails to give you an emotional, gripping, and inspiring journey. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Here's another of Beller's novels set in the Montana Rockies. Because I lived in Montana myself for 20+ years, it's easy for me to picture the scenery in my mind's eye.
You'll be kept on the edge of your seat, as you try to figure out who misunderstood whom, who was looking for whom and waiting for whom. You'll also adore little Mary Ellen.
If you enjoy historical fiction set in the Old West of the Rockies, you definitely will want to add this to your TBR list.
He’d come to Montana Territory to find what he’d lost.”
Eric LaGrange has met up with some the Coulter brothers in Ft. Benton and convinced them to let him travel back to their ranch in Montana territory, in this historical romance by Misty M. Beller. The year is 1869, and Eric is seeking the woman he expected to love for the rest of his life, Naomi. He arrives at the ranch to discover two surprises: Naomi is engaged to Jonah, one of the Coulter brothers, and she has a ten-month-old toddler who is obviously Eric’s daughter.
I was a bit put off by Eric at first. He appears on the scene, charging in like he should have a say in how his daughter is being raised and where (he considers the Montana mountains very dangerous for a young child). "Now that I'm here, I can promise you this. No man—not you and all your brothers combined—is going to keep me from taking care of my daughter the way I see fit." It seems he is quick to judge when he feels little mischievous Mary Ellen might not be as safe as he prefers. Since this is the first he’s seen his daughter, both Naomi and Jonah feel the sharp pain of their toes being stepped on harshly, plus the rest of the Coulter clan is ready to back those two. Can Eric convince Naomi she and their daughter belong with him? Back East? “He wasn't a Coulter, nor did he have any desire to live in this dangerous land, so far from his life and work back in Washington D.C.”
I am always happy to see positive relationships portrayed between Native Americans and those of European descent. Two Shoes and his wife, Heidi, play a significant role in this story, though we don’t see much of them.
There are several children in this novel. Each has a unique place and adds something special to the story. Some prepare us for the next story.
Twins. One relationship that Naomi falls back on is that of her twin sister, Dinah. Dinah can sense when something is wrong with Naomi, and is a good listener and support. But, since she’s married to Jericho Coulter, Jonah’s brother, will she automatically put her weight behind Team Jonah?
Faith appears multiple times in the story, as characters recognize the wrongness of the past, either ask forgiveness of God and carefully avoid the same issues, or forgive others for wrongs done them. Plus, God’s guidance is often sought. When God speaks in an unusual way, one character is quick to obey.
I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit, plus I bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
"Sometimes, clarity comes in unexpected moments."
“Caring was so hard. It opened the heart to be vulnerable.”
A great read! I love all the characters in this story and how the characters from each book prior are in every book including this one. The romance is complicated with secrets and misunderstandings between Naomi and Eric, I found myself rooting for them. A secret Naomi is holding close had me disliking a character and holding my breath. My emotions were torn between Jonah and Eric, both are great characters and I was sad one of them would walk away with a broken heart. Each time I read a book from this series I feel like I’m home among family. My heart is wrapped around these characters and their lives. Another great book in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
The man she loved disappeared leaving her alone with their daughter. She needs to get on with his life and she moves with her sister. She will meet another man who would be a good father for her baby. Things will change when he reappears. What is going to happen? Who will she pick? Will her life get better? See how she gets on
I’ve read the others in the series. They will never be classics, they’re easy reading, they’re wholesome Christian romance. I read them as a stress release and to make myself fall asleep at night. They do not require thinking.
If you read the others in the series, you will be thoroughly disappointed with this one. I have no idea why the author titled the book “earning the mountain man’s trust“ because the female lead character totally destroyed, and crushed the mountain man’s heart while breaking his trust. And the rest of the book is her jilting the mountain man and going off to someone else.
I kept waiting for something to happen that was going to change her mind and bring her back to the mountain man. It never happened. And now there’s going to be another book in the series about the same mountain man finding his own love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This one was more confusing....and somehow had both so much plot and no plot. A lot of things she could have done with this one that she did not. But still good ofc and I just want Jonah's story so bad because I feel sorry for him *crying*
Well that was unexpected. And disappointing. It’s probably a good book but I really hated it. I guess it had to happen, but still. I never liked Naomi. Lying in bed crying for a year. Stupid girl.
I listened to the audiobook. The narration was poor. I think they took bits of Beller’s voice and used AI to read it. The first 3 books in the series had a great narrator. They should have stuck with the original reader.
EARNING THE MOUNTAIN MAN'S TRUST is a second-chance love story about a young mother and the father of her daughter who had disappeared and then shows up suddenly over a year later. The story includes likable characters, a large family dynamic, danger, faith weaved throughout, and survival through the harsh elements of historic Montana. Fans of the genre and this author should find this an enjoyable read.
I liked both the main characters in this story as well as the full Coulter family group. I also thought Naomi's little girl and the scenes with her to be adorable and add so much to this story. I was worried the author would drag the explanation between Naomi and Eric on, but she didn't. She let them explain themselves fairly early on and both were reasonable about it all, even though there was some lingering hurt and trauma. There were several things to consider in order for Naomi to decide which direction her future would lie and the author let it play out while the characters worked through what they needed to.
The plot moved at a steady pace with a few more intense, climatic moments, especially at the end. It made for a fairly quick and easy read. There were all the emotions as these characters felt heartbreak, redemption, love, forgiveness, danger, faith, and loss. The plot also generally made sense except for one aspect. And this was the one piece that didn't work for me in this story. There's a villain, but his actions, plan and motive didn't feel realistic nor make sense. That's my biggest issue with this story. There were a couple different storylines started that can easily become fully drawn in subsequent books. At the end of this book though, the main characters come to a resolution that was sweet and perfectly fitted to them and this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an enjoyable read. It continues on the previous book and leaves enough loose ends for the next where hopefully another Coulter will find his happily-ever-after.
Content: Some non-descriptive references to rape, a prior off-page indiscretion, and the unwed pregnancy that resulted. Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I had an amazing adventure reading Earning the Mountain Nan’s Trust by Misty Beller. Misty Beller is a skillful writer and this is the second book of hers that I've read. After reading the first one and seeing this one, which is the next in the Mountain Man series, I knew I had to read it. The first book was also really good, so I didn't want to pass on an opportunity to read another one by Beller.
The book has quite a cast of characters that are intertwined. Naomi is the main female character in the book and she's waiting for her would-be husband, Eric, who has to attend to his ill father. He initially thought it would only be a few weeks, but when it turned out to be four months and Naomi hears nothing from him, she thinks he has abandoned her.
Eric must take care of his ailing father and he wants to get back to the woman he loves, Naomi. He sends her many letters but hears nothing from her. What is going on?
Jonah is one of the men whose family ranch Naomi is staying on. When Naomi believes that Eric has abandoned her, she must move on. Though she isn't looking for love, Jonah asks for her hand in marriage and she accepts.
Eric shows up after months of no word from him or so it seems, and Naomi's emotions betray her. She is still in love with Eric, but now she is engaged to Jonah and Eric has betrayed her, so why would she give him another chance?
Eric is also still in love with Naomi, but he just wants to have a chance to know his daughter and to be there for her. Of course, he would not balk at earning back Naomi.
This book is full of faith and the characters pray often to the One true God, the Almighty. They try to trust in the Lord God and His plan for their lives and situations. The book, which seemed like it was going to be slower-paced, seemed to ramp up the excitement most of the time. It slows down where needed and overall the pace seemed to fit the scenes and transitions. Misty Belller's book will make you glad you read it and it will not disappoint.I received a
complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Another exciting, romantic adventure in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. After reading the previous book, I couldn’t wait to read Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust. When Naomi Wyatt’s fiancé disappeared after a business trip and never returned her letters, she decides to move on with her life and agrees to marry Jonah Coulter. Though she cares for Jonah, her little daughter is a constant reminder of her previous love. When Eric suddenly reappears, she has to decide if she’ll give him another chance.
Eric LaGrange thought he’d lost Naomi forever, but when he learns she’s at the Sapphire Ranch in the Montana Territory, he immediately journeys there to find her. He’s shocked when he learns he has a darling little daughter. Seeing danger everywhere in the wild territory, he’s determined to protect her. As he and Naomi revisit their misunderstandings and mistakes, can they rekindle what they once had?
I love a good second chance romance. Naomi and Eric made some definite mistakes they needed to seek forgiveness for. Naomi also carries a painful secret she must divulge. Despite everything, they still have a deep love for one another and I loved watching them work through their issues.
Then there’s Jonah. He’s a great man who cares for Naomi and little Mary Ellen. At first, I was a little resentful of Eric coming back and ruining everything for him, but as the story progressed, I came to really love Eric and the way he instantly loves his little daughter.
Along with the lovely second chance romance, there’s a mystery to solve and danger just waiting in the wings. When Naomi’s secret comes back to haunt her, she has to decide if she’ll listen to inspiration to save those she loves. With snow storms, danger, secrets, and rekindling lost love, I found myself eagerly turning the pages.
Highly recommend this Western romance and the entire series! Though part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
I was excited to delve into Misty Beller’s Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust, Book 4 in her Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Series. I previously read the other books and had become fond of main characters Naomi Wyatt and who I thought would be her love interest, Jonah Coulter. It’s not a spoiler alert to tell you Jonah isn’t the other primary point-of-view character (it’s obvious once you read the back cover blurb). Instead, we meet Eric LaGrange.
Naomi was introduced in Book 1, Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart, when she arrived at the Coulter ranch with her twin sister Dinah. There was a lot of mystery surrounding Naomi—she was pregnant and unmarried for one thing and was being escorted by Dinah to the Coulter ranch in response to an ad for a wife for Jericho Coulter. But that story wasn’t hers—it was Dinah’s and Jericho’s.
I thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this series, and from the title of this one, I made assumptions. The “mountain man” in the other books referred to one of the Coulter brothers, so this title threw me off. In fact, it doesn’t fit the book at all. Which mountain man is it referring to? Eric LaGrange is the farthest thing from a mountain man. In fact, he’s a wealthy, citified man who Naomi has been pining for since Book 1.
Although I am a Misty Beller fan, I didn’t feel this book was as well written as the others. The misleading title aside, it felt as if there were a few scenes thrown in for filler that didn’t connect to anything. The internal struggle for both Naomi and Eric was repetitive and bogged down the story. But if you’ve read the other books in the series, you’ll want to read this one, as well, just to finish off the series with a nice, tidy bow.
I received a copy of this book for reviewing purposes, but the opinions of it are mine.
In "Earning the Mountain Man's Trust," I was transported to the untamed beauty of the Montana Territory, where the Coulter ranch stands as a bastion of family and redemption.
At the heart of the story is Naomi Wyatt, a resilient young woman who has weathered the storms of love and loss. Left alone to care for her precious daughter after being abandoned by her first love, Naomi finds solace in the friendship and unwavering support of Jonah Coulter. When Jonah offers her a chance at a new beginning through marriage, Naomi sees a glimmer of hope amidst her pain.
However, fate takes an unexpected turn when Naomi's past collides with her present. The return of her first love threatens to unravel the fragile peace she has painstakingly built, forcing her to confront the ghosts of her past and the uncertainties of her future. As tensions mount and danger looms on the horizon, Naomi is faced with the ultimate challenge: to trust in love once more, even in the face of betrayal and uncertainty.
The author's masterful storytelling transported me into a world of rugged landscapes, sweeping romance, and unyielding resilience. Through vivid prose and richly drawn characters, she deftly explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of love. From the tender moments shared between Naomi and her daughter to the gripping suspense of looming threats, the book kept me eagerly turning pages until the very end.
With its blend of heartwarming romance and pulse-pounding adventure, I think this book will appeal to fans of historical romance and frontier fiction alike. I believe the author crafted a tale as timeless and enduring as the majestic mountains that serve as its backdrop.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
I have enjoyed any book I have read written by Misty M. Beller. Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust is the fourth book in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series and picks up right where book 3, Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure leaves off. I am thankful that Beller is a prolific author as I never have to wait long for her next book in series to come out (although it looks like it will be about 6 months until the next one in this series). While this is part of a series, and you would probably be missing some info, I do think you could read this title without reading the others in the series first. So far each of the books in this series have focused on one of the Coulter brothers (or “adopted” brother). As Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust opens you think the book is going to be about Jonah Coulter. It is in a way but it is more about Naomi Wyatt, sister-in-law to the family, and an outsider. I don’t want to share any spoilers but the book does include a shift that I’m not sure many saw coming at the close of book 3. There is a happily-ever-after ending, just not the one I originally expected. The story is not without trauma and drama - including a visit from a man who raped Naomi. I do really like how Naomi spends time in prayer and relying on God for wisdom in knowing the direction her life should go. I also appreciated the direct answer to prayer she received. While Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust is an adult novel, I do think it is appropriate for high schoolers. It could be placed in the secondary section of a K-12 Christian school library and marked for high schoolers only. I received a complimentary copy of Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust. This is my honest review.
I have really been looking forward to this next addition in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. I have been so curious about Naomi Wyatt's life, as she travels pregnant with her sister to the Coulter ranch. Who is her former beau, Eric LaGrange, and why hasn't he contacted her with any news? Well Naomi now has a little girl whom she needs to care for, and Jonah Coulter has asked for her hand in marriage. Naomi has said yes, if only to have a man to protect her and her little girl. Then Eric shows up at the ranch. Things get pretty interesting very fast.
Eric has been searching for Naomi for a long while. He has written to her, but she has never answered him back. He knows he did wrong with her taking liberties he shouldn't have before they were married, but he never expected she would leave him, or keep his child from him. But he is here now, and he will show Naomi, and everyone else that he will be a good father. If only he and Jonah will keep civil. Eric still loves Naomi, but he is willing to let her go and marry Jonah if that is what she wishes.
Naomi, even from the last book, was hesitant to marry Jonah, as she was still in love with Eric. But what happened to keep him from her? Plenty of danger and secrets unfold throughout this story until everyone has the answers they seek. This was a thrilling story of two good men and the drama that unfolds when the woman they both love needs to choose between them. Don't miss this exciting continuation.
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.
“He couldn't help a quick glance at his daughter. She slept so peacefully, completely unaware of the tempest swirling between those she loved…The sweetness of holding his sleeping daughter… She trusted him enough, felt comfortable enough with him, that she could doze in his arms. The weight of that faith wrapped around him like a warm hug. He wanted to cling to the moment, to keep her safe and close, allowing nothing else to intrude.”
“He was a different man now. One who was doing his very best to be honorable. Honest. Upstanding. And now...a good father…One whose strength wasn't just in his broad shoulders and calloused hands from working the ranch, but in his unwavering faith and support for [the woman he loved, and for the rest of the family…Did she understand the depth of his love? The surety that he would be coming back to her? As long as he didn’t perish.” “Why does good have to be so painful?..Caring was so hard. It opened the heart to be vulnerable.”
“The love of his life and the daughter they'd created were both in the arms of another man while he lay out here in the cold. No one in this wilderness cared enough to come check on him. How had his life come to this? And the bigger question... What was he going to do about it?” But Naomi harbors secrets of her own, and “she had to face the truth. Had to let the truth be known, if she and Eric were to ever reach the life together they craved.”
Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust is a testament to Misty M. Beller’s passion “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…each piece as a thread in His master tapestry.”
Earning the Mountain Man's Trust, by Misty M. Beller is book four in the Brothers of the Sapphire Ranch series. The books in this series do build upon the previous ones, so I feel it is best to read this series in order. I am enjoying this series as it follows the Coulter brothers and the Wyatt sisters as well as other characters as they enter the stories. I enjoy how well developed and caring the characters are and how they care for and help each other. In this story we meet Eric, the man Naomi was engaged to and hasn't heard from since he went to visit his father over a year earlier. After many months of waiting to hear from Eric, Naomi finally decided to move on without him and accepts a proposal for marriage from Jonah Coulter. What she doesn't know is that Eric has just recently found out he is a father and is on his way to see Naomi and his daughter.
This is an easy to read story that shows how difficult is was to get news to people who lived far away during this time in history. It also shows the length of time it took to travel the distance and how weather affected when and how travel was possible. The parts of this story that stand out for me is how trusting Eric was of his cousin, and how the cousin took advantage of this to hurt him and those he loves. I am finding this an enjoyable series to read and look forward to the rest in the series. I enjoy the suspense and mystery that is written into the stories as well.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story , this is my honest review.
My review today is on the Christian Historical Romance, Earning the Mountain Man's Trust. This is book four in the series Brothers of Sapphire Ranch. I'm a big fan of Mistie's work and was so excited to receive this one. I have enjoyed this series. This book is well-written, action-packed, and full of faith. This is basically a love triangle story. I know you are going to love it but it's hard because you want to root for each of these men. I know you are going to love it.
Eric LaGrange had received a letter that he had become a father. He had no idea that was even possible. Now he was on his way to see his daughter. It was obvious his chance with Naomi was gone. He had left her and hadn't seen her in almost two years.
Naomi Wyatt had traveled west with her sister. She had been pregnant and was to be a mail order bride but that didn't work out. She had a terrible time with her pregnancy. She had wanted Eric with her. Now she has realized that would never happen. So she has promised to marry her sister's brother-in-law. Jonah Colter is building them a home. They would be marry soon.
A complicated journey in the wild west. God has a plan for these three a plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for peace and not for harm. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
I really like Jonah, so my first thought when I read the back cover was, “Uh-oh. Surely not . . .” In the last book, Protecting the Mountain Man’s Treasure, we all know Naomi doesn’t love Jonah. Still, I thought for sure this book would be about how she comes to see him as more than a convenience.
Actually not.
Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust jumps back into the heart of the Coulter family and their ranch in the Montana mountains. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This is my favorite series by Misty M. Beller. The Coulter ranch is a delightful place to visit.
Eric did grow on me, and of course, I’ve always liked Naomi. I always enjoy a story involving a child and Mary Ellen fit the bill perfectly. Seeing characters from past books is always fun as well.
Misty handles some difficult issues with care. Characters seek forgiveness for past sins (including premarital relationships that result in a child) and grow in their relationship with the Lord. There was one instance where it’s indicated that the Lord reveals something to a character through a dream, which was a little odd. But overall, this is a delightful western tale with a theme of second-chances and solid faith content.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book, but thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust is a wonderful historical fiction novel. I love this author and all of her novels are amazing! I think I’ve read every single one of hers. And they’re amazing. All of them. This is book three in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Series. Please read them all. And read them all in order. They’re each amazing in their own rite but reading them in order gives you the fullest picture and will bring the most reading pleasure.
This book covers a few hard topics, such as premarital relations and a child out of wedlock. But they’re done tastefully and well in this novel. It’s also faith-based, full of Scripture and prayers.
Mary Ellen is adorable. I loved seeing the character development of Eric and how he and Naomi are working through things. It moved quickly. The characters are wonderful. We get to revisit characters from previous books as well. I can’t say enough good about this book. And I can’t think of a single bad thing to say.
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.
I was really looking forward to this story but man Naomi was so selfish. The entire book made her that much more unlikable. Which stinks because I love stories like this normally. And Eric. I actually didn’t dislike him for the most part but even he was so thoughtless at times. Poor Jonah.
Several times it felt like Naomi believed she had some divine claim on staying with the Coulters on their land. The thoughts she had were also borderline heartless toward Jonah. (ie: thinking about asking Jonah to give up the house he was building for them so that Eric and she could live there). I wish it showed her as somewhat remorseful for hurting him, but nope! Naomi had moments when I thought, yes this is good. I liked seeing her with the kids and how she cared for her daughter. I felt for her when her past was revealed, but then she would do something and I would feel that dislike again.
The saving grace was I did like Jonah and Eric’s friendship and wish that had had more time to develop. Especially since I’m not really convinced Naomi deserved either of them. Mary Ellen was adorable. And I can’t wait to see Jonah get his happily ever after. Heaven knows he deserves it. He sacrificed too much in this story for a selfish couple.
“Earning the Mountain Man's Trust” is such a sweet, second-chance story. I love a book that reveals believable characters who overcome their pasts.
My feelings in this book were all over the place. I thought I had things figured out until my heart got all entangled and changed my mind. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, have no fear. This one works well on its own. And if you have read the others in the series, you’ll enjoy becoming reacquainted with characters you’ve surely grown to love.
I love the character development, story believability, and thread of faith throughout. When I finished the last page, I had a smile on my face and warmth in my heart…and I can’t ask much more than that. This is a quick read that leaves a lasting impression
First Line: Eric LaGrange eyed the mountain slope still ahead of them. Series: Brothers of Sapphire Ranch, book 4 Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Western Author: Misty M. Beller Page Count: 228
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Readers will become enthralled right from the beginning of this story. Eric has traveled a long distance to meet his baby who is almost one now. What greets him instead is anger and a fist fight. Eric doesn’t have time to explain why he hasn’t met his baby before a man much bigger than him decides that he needs to teach Eric who is in charge. Naomi didn’t want Eric to meet his child this way but after awhile she gave up on him ever coming back.
I love how the author always brings readers into the story with emotions and vivid details which places us right at the center of the action. Poor Eric isn’t sure what he has stumbled into but he knows that he will not abandon his child. The desire Eric has to be a father to his beautiful child overwhelms him at times. He knows it will take time to repair a relationship and build a new one, but his faith is steadfast.
I loved following the characters as emotions run deep and twists keep the story moving forward. The author delivers another beautiful look at flawed characters and illustrates forgiveness, second chances and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.