What do you think?
Rate this book
Montana Sky #4
Glorious Montana Sky
After spending nine years as a missionary in Africa and losing his wife to illness, Joshua Norton is exhausted, emotionally and physically. He returns home to the frontier Montana town of Sweetwater Springs with his estranged nine-year-old son in tow, hoping to rebuild his relationship with the boy.
Meanwhile, New Orleans resident Delia Fortier plots to escape the terrible fate her mother has planned for her: becoming the mistress of a cruel, powerful politician. The mixed-race secret daughter of a wealthy Creole businessman, Delia boldly seeks help from her father’s family. Although the rest of the family spurns her, her father is delighted to learn of Delia’s existence and offers her an opportunity: travel west with him, pretending to be his legitimate daughter.
When Joshua and Delia meet, their intense attraction is undeniable. But will Delia’s secret stand in the way of their love? Or will prejudice destroy their future…and their lives?
A stirring, sweeping frontier romance, Glorious Montana Sky is the fourth title in the bestselling series that has enchanted readers.
Meanwhile, New Orleans resident Delia Fortier plots to escape the terrible fate her mother has planned for her: becoming the mistress of a cruel, powerful politician. The mixed-race secret daughter of a wealthy Creole businessman, Delia boldly seeks help from her father’s family. Although the rest of the family spurns her, her father is delighted to learn of Delia’s existence and offers her an opportunity: travel west with him, pretending to be his legitimate daughter.
When Joshua and Delia meet, their intense attraction is undeniable. But will Delia’s secret stand in the way of their love? Or will prejudice destroy their future…and their lives?
A stirring, sweeping frontier romance, Glorious Montana Sky is the fourth title in the bestselling series that has enchanted readers.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2014
1113 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Debra Holland
65 books318 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Debra Holland is a three-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist and one time winner. She’s the author of the award winning Montana Sky Series, sweet, historical Western romance. Book Two, Starry Montana Sky, was selected by Amazon as one of 50 Greatest Love Stories. Debra is also the author of The Gods’ Dream Trilogy, fantasy romance. Painted Montana Sky Christmas is her latest book.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
Debra has written a nonfiction book, The Essential Guide to Grief and Grieving from Alpha Books (a subsidiary of Penguin). She has a free ebooklet available on her website, http://drdebraholland.com: 58 Tips for Getting What You Want From a Difficult Conversation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 4, 2014
Glorious Montana Sky is the first historical novel by Debra Holland that I have read. It is part of a series but reads well as a stand-alone. I really like the concept of this story; that of the burnt out widower missionary returning home from Africa connecting with an octoroon (new Word for me) woman. In today’ culture, no one would bat an eye at this. I would have liked to see how the community of Sweetwater handled it. However, her secret was not revealed until near the end.
On the whole, the story flows smoothly bringing the two main characters together as friends before love. Josh and Delia are well developed likable characters so I was hoping the problems that Delia imagined would happen could be overcome. The setting took the reader back in time where life was different but people are much the same. I enjoyed reading of the unique area and plants that grow there so different from where I reside. Through the book, I was able to feel as if I had ventured there for a short time.
I do wish that there had been more of an epilogue to tell how Josh, Delia and Micah were continuing to adjust as a family.
NetGalley provided a copy.
On the whole, the story flows smoothly bringing the two main characters together as friends before love. Josh and Delia are well developed likable characters so I was hoping the problems that Delia imagined would happen could be overcome. The setting took the reader back in time where life was different but people are much the same. I enjoyed reading of the unique area and plants that grow there so different from where I reside. Through the book, I was able to feel as if I had ventured there for a short time.
I do wish that there had been more of an epilogue to tell how Josh, Delia and Micah were continuing to adjust as a family.
NetGalley provided a copy.
October 29, 2014
Debra Holland provides us with another beautiful tale based in the fictional but delightful town of Sweetwater Springs. I have always adored the local minister and his wife, and in Glorious Montana Sky we get to meet their son and grandson. Although there are fewer in-depth interactions with the people of the town, that lack is more than balanced by the fun of watching Joshua rediscover his old friends and make new ones.
After spending a year caring for his wife as she slowly dies while they are missionaries in Africa, Joshua feels weak in heart and spirit, but there is no better place for him to regain himself than in his home town with his parents and his son. His growing attachment to a newcomer doesn't hurt either but she resists revealing much about herself, and as we know from fiction, that means there is a story to be told.
Although having read the earlier books will enrich your enjoyment of this book, it can be read as a stand-alone.
After spending a year caring for his wife as she slowly dies while they are missionaries in Africa, Joshua feels weak in heart and spirit, but there is no better place for him to regain himself than in his home town with his parents and his son. His growing attachment to a newcomer doesn't hurt either but she resists revealing much about herself, and as we know from fiction, that means there is a story to be told.
Although having read the earlier books will enrich your enjoyment of this book, it can be read as a stand-alone.
October 17, 2025
Another book in the Montana Sky series....great love story.
September 17, 2014
Debra Holland has written another fantastic book in the Montana Sky Series! This story has heart, hope, and healing within its covers.
Joshua Norton has returned home from Africa with his son Micah. Struggling with his calling for his life, Joshua returns home to help his father in the ministry. His relationship with his son is strained and he must focus on repairing the rift between them. Micah is angry for having to leave all he has ever known and loved in Africa and is rebelling somewhat. Joshua must reach his son and hopes he can grow to love his home now. Once Joshua meets Delia he becomes enamored with her as does his son.
Delia arrives with her father under drastic circumstances. He has had an attack of his heart and they must stay in Sweetwater Springs for a while. Drawn to Joshua, she knows she must try to stop her affections for him. If he ever found out her secrets, he would hate her. Unable to stay away from each other though, they become closer and closer. Joshua's son Micah becomes very close to Delia and oh how she wishes she were his momma. When troubles from New Orleans shows up, her worst fears are realized. What will Joshua and Micah think of her now?
As this story progresses you get to really understand the struggles Joshua had as a missionary, and his personal struggles with his own calling. His search for his own renewal of spirit was well written and very moving. His journey from dread to renewed joy is wonderful. And Delia's acceptance with who she is and who she can be was great to see. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Joshua Norton has returned home from Africa with his son Micah. Struggling with his calling for his life, Joshua returns home to help his father in the ministry. His relationship with his son is strained and he must focus on repairing the rift between them. Micah is angry for having to leave all he has ever known and loved in Africa and is rebelling somewhat. Joshua must reach his son and hopes he can grow to love his home now. Once Joshua meets Delia he becomes enamored with her as does his son.
Delia arrives with her father under drastic circumstances. He has had an attack of his heart and they must stay in Sweetwater Springs for a while. Drawn to Joshua, she knows she must try to stop her affections for him. If he ever found out her secrets, he would hate her. Unable to stay away from each other though, they become closer and closer. Joshua's son Micah becomes very close to Delia and oh how she wishes she were his momma. When troubles from New Orleans shows up, her worst fears are realized. What will Joshua and Micah think of her now?
As this story progresses you get to really understand the struggles Joshua had as a missionary, and his personal struggles with his own calling. His search for his own renewal of spirit was well written and very moving. His journey from dread to renewed joy is wonderful. And Delia's acceptance with who she is and who she can be was great to see. Cannot wait for the next book in this series.
February 7, 2023
historical romance
After reading other genres, coming back to my historical romance books is a joy. This story revolves around a minster’s mission in Uganda with his wife and son. After the passing of his wife , Joshua takes his son Mica back to his hometown in Wyoming. This’s where life begins again for little Mica. Well worth reading.
After reading other genres, coming back to my historical romance books is a joy. This story revolves around a minster’s mission in Uganda with his wife and son. After the passing of his wife , Joshua takes his son Mica back to his hometown in Wyoming. This’s where life begins again for little Mica. Well worth reading.
September 16, 2014
Just to let you know, this is my first book that I have read by this author. I really like her way of storytelling and characterization. You will be missing out if you don't like western romance, but you will have to take my word for it. This is part of the series of Montana Sky #4, but can be read as a stand alone.
Joshua Norton is a preacher just like his father before him. He was a missionary in Africa and has returned to his home town of Sweetwater Springs, Montana. He is now a widower with a sullen nine year old son who is missing his friends at his old home. Joshua is just plain worn out because he had to take care of his wife during her illness. He wants to get to know his son again and hopes they become closer. It sure is hard being a parent and happiness excludes Joshua during his married life.
But things change when Joshua meets the lovely Delia Fortier. He is instantly attracted to the beautiful and spirited woman. She is also taken with the handsome preacher and his son. They soon become friends of sort, but Delia knows their relationship can't be anything more. Oh how she wished it could be. But Delia has secrets that would terminate everything she holds dear.
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. Thanks Net Galley for this ARC title for an honest review.
Joshua Norton is a preacher just like his father before him. He was a missionary in Africa and has returned to his home town of Sweetwater Springs, Montana. He is now a widower with a sullen nine year old son who is missing his friends at his old home. Joshua is just plain worn out because he had to take care of his wife during her illness. He wants to get to know his son again and hopes they become closer. It sure is hard being a parent and happiness excludes Joshua during his married life.
But things change when Joshua meets the lovely Delia Fortier. He is instantly attracted to the beautiful and spirited woman. She is also taken with the handsome preacher and his son. They soon become friends of sort, but Delia knows their relationship can't be anything more. Oh how she wished it could be. But Delia has secrets that would terminate everything she holds dear.
I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book. Thanks Net Galley for this ARC title for an honest review.
October 1, 2014
A minister who has lost his drive and a woman with a questionable background meet in this story filled with the challenges of life and a religious viewpoint on how to handle the things life throws at you. There were a few editing error, but they were minor. I like the daily challenges presented in the book. The relationship between Delia, Joshua, and Micah could have been developed more. The plot was okay, but could have resolved the Dupey situation a little better. Especially since there wouldn't be much of a challenge for the 'villain' to come back to town and cause more trouble. Overall, this was an interesting book. I would recommend this book to those who like to read romances with religious undertones.
November 3, 2014
I absolutely loved this story. It was wonderful to watch how God worked to bring Delia to her new family. Micah stole my heart. I really hope that I will be able to read a future story about him and Lizzie.
May 1, 2022
I enjoyed the audio version of this book!
This book was amazing! A much stronger Christian theme in this one with the hero being a preacher with faults! But oh what a beautiful story! I especially loved the visit to the dying Grandmother! So very insightful and uplifting!!!
This book was amazing! A much stronger Christian theme in this one with the hero being a preacher with faults! But oh what a beautiful story! I especially loved the visit to the dying Grandmother! So very insightful and uplifting!!!
February 28, 2017
Dragged on...
The story dragged along. I did something I never do, I skipped through chapters. I loved the other books in this series so I was really disappointed. Read at your own risk!
The story dragged along. I did something I never do, I skipped through chapters. I loved the other books in this series so I was really disappointed. Read at your own risk!
October 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this sweet story. Joshua has come home with his son. He, his wife and son spent nine years in Africa where his wife died. Joshua is trying to figure out what to do with his life. He knew he wanted to be a reverend, but now he is having doubts. His son, Micah, is resentful about leaving his friends in Africa. Joshua's in laws have mapped out his life for him and Joshua isn't sure that his path is the same as the one they think he should follow. After being home in Sweetwater Springs, he knows he and his son should remain in Montana. Delia is escaping from New Orleans with her father because her mother has sold her to a horrible man. She is to be his mistress. When her father has some health problems on the train just as they get to Sweetwater Springs, they decide to stay there until he recuperates. What neither Joshua nor Delia expected is to find love. Delia has some secrets and is afraid to tell Joshua. But she has fallen in love with Joshua and Micah. Can she be a minister's wife? Will he care about her heritage?
December 25, 2021
Delia is a young, beautiful, biracial woman in New Orleans of the late 1800s, and her mother, a horrid woman, has sold her to a man to serve as his mistress. Delia flees the house, seeking refuge in her paternal grandmother's house. While the old woman wants nothing to do with her, Delia's father Andre just happens to come in at that moment and welcomes the girl into his life. To escape the buyer, a murderous man, Andre and Delia go to Sweetwater Springs, where they pass as white and are welcomed in the town. Meanwhile, Preacher Norton's son Joshua has returned from missionary work in Africa, newly widowed, with his grieving young son in tow. Joshua and Delia fall in love, but he thinks she's white. What will happen? An unlikely outcome. But still, I can't help but buy the next book in the series.
August 27, 2019
A little inconsistent
We get hints about other characters from previous books and some of those are inconsistent with what actually happens in the book that focuses on the characters. I also felt that Mr. Bellaire's character was inconsistent. He was able to stand up to his formidable mother but says nothing to the Livingston's? The chance to insert Frey Foster again was missed. Although, there was a mention of a man who looked liked a viking but he was mentioned by another name. Another inconsistency perhaps. Also would have enjoyed an epilogue about their overall ending. Did they stay with the Livingston's? Her father, who has the means, did he buy a house? Did they move into the parsonage? So many unanswered questions. I'm not satisfied.
We get hints about other characters from previous books and some of those are inconsistent with what actually happens in the book that focuses on the characters. I also felt that Mr. Bellaire's character was inconsistent. He was able to stand up to his formidable mother but says nothing to the Livingston's? The chance to insert Frey Foster again was missed. Although, there was a mention of a man who looked liked a viking but he was mentioned by another name. Another inconsistency perhaps. Also would have enjoyed an epilogue about their overall ending. Did they stay with the Livingston's? Her father, who has the means, did he buy a house? Did they move into the parsonage? So many unanswered questions. I'm not satisfied.
April 10, 2022
Best one in the series
If you enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie series of books or tv shows, you will love this series of stories. If you're one of those nasty, judgemental folks who rate people according to their skin color, accents, or pedigree, you may want to skip this beautiful love story. The heroine is a woman who scandalously has a bit of black blood in her and is thus below the elite southerners in her life. Her arrival in Sweetwater would seem a safe place but there is prejudice everywhere. Her ability to be a loving, kind person in spite of the treatment she has received from her own family and associates proves that what is on the inside is much more important than what you see on the outside. Sweet story.
If you enjoyed the Little House on the Prairie series of books or tv shows, you will love this series of stories. If you're one of those nasty, judgemental folks who rate people according to their skin color, accents, or pedigree, you may want to skip this beautiful love story. The heroine is a woman who scandalously has a bit of black blood in her and is thus below the elite southerners in her life. Her arrival in Sweetwater would seem a safe place but there is prejudice everywhere. Her ability to be a loving, kind person in spite of the treatment she has received from her own family and associates proves that what is on the inside is much more important than what you see on the outside. Sweet story.
January 4, 2018
This Book is Part of an Excellent Series
This is the fourth book in the series and the author again has gone way beyond the typical Boy Meets Girl, They Have Problems, Overcome the Problems, etc. She again has I evolved a child and readers sometimes get the child's perspective instead of just the couple. The author touched on racial prejudice, other cultures, and had wonderful insights into the thoughts and faith of a minister. I highly recommend this series set in the late 1800s.
This is the fourth book in the series and the author again has gone way beyond the typical Boy Meets Girl, They Have Problems, Overcome the Problems, etc. She again has I evolved a child and readers sometimes get the child's perspective instead of just the couple. The author touched on racial prejudice, other cultures, and had wonderful insights into the thoughts and faith of a minister. I highly recommend this series set in the late 1800s.
February 2, 2018
An apology to the author!
This book was much better than the last 2 in this series. I cannot wait to start book 5. I had planned to struggle though the entire series to the end. It had felt after the 2 books that, it was an uncomfortable home work assignment. Not so fast there, little lady, this author has promise, I told myself. Now on to book 5. You all come join me while, together, we the 4 books in this series. And, to Debra Holland, please forgive me for my haste, in judgement, of you last 2 books. You have redeemed yourself with this book. Thank you..😇
This book was much better than the last 2 in this series. I cannot wait to start book 5. I had planned to struggle though the entire series to the end. It had felt after the 2 books that, it was an uncomfortable home work assignment. Not so fast there, little lady, this author has promise, I told myself. Now on to book 5. You all come join me while, together, we the 4 books in this series. And, to Debra Holland, please forgive me for my haste, in judgement, of you last 2 books. You have redeemed yourself with this book. Thank you..😇
March 24, 2018
Glorious
Joshua Norton has returned to Sweetwater spring from his missionary work in Africa. Now widow with a child he is coming home for stability and a simple life for him and his son Micah. Delia and her father have to stop in the small Montana town due to an unforeseen illness. They are hiding who Delia really is and little do they know that stopping in Sweetwater Springs will be the beginning of a simple life as a preachers wife and mother to Micah Norton.
Joshua Norton has returned to Sweetwater spring from his missionary work in Africa. Now widow with a child he is coming home for stability and a simple life for him and his son Micah. Delia and her father have to stop in the small Montana town due to an unforeseen illness. They are hiding who Delia really is and little do they know that stopping in Sweetwater Springs will be the beginning of a simple life as a preachers wife and mother to Micah Norton.
April 9, 2018
Love this book series
I have been a faithful reader of the Montana Sky novels. It is such a pleasure to read a romance without the steamy sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy them once in a while, but romance novels should not have obligatory sex just to sell the book. The stories should stand on their own merit.
I will continue to read more from this author. I heartily recommend this series of stories. They touch the heart.
I have been a faithful reader of the Montana Sky novels. It is such a pleasure to read a romance without the steamy sex scenes. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy them once in a while, but romance novels should not have obligatory sex just to sell the book. The stories should stand on their own merit.
I will continue to read more from this author. I heartily recommend this series of stories. They touch the heart.
April 16, 2022
Glorious Montana Sky
Deception and uncertainty are the themes of this story. While Delia is deceiving the town of Sweetwater Springs, Reverend Joshua is grappling with his past and whether he was effective in his work and presently if he is a good father. Together Joshua and Delia work through their issues but will they find their happily ever after or will Delia's past haunt her forever?
Deception and uncertainty are the themes of this story. While Delia is deceiving the town of Sweetwater Springs, Reverend Joshua is grappling with his past and whether he was effective in his work and presently if he is a good father. Together Joshua and Delia work through their issues but will they find their happily ever after or will Delia's past haunt her forever?
September 25, 2019
Good read
While there is an evil monster threat in the background, covered by secrets thought to be necessary for the social structure of the time, the heroine perseveres to be with the father who has rescued her from the greed of her mother. It’s a very good story with insightful emotional portrayal. Enjoy 👍💜
While there is an evil monster threat in the background, covered by secrets thought to be necessary for the social structure of the time, the heroine perseveres to be with the father who has rescued her from the greed of her mother. It’s a very good story with insightful emotional portrayal. Enjoy 👍💜
January 14, 2020
A cowboy chick book. I listened to several of Holland's books but lost interest in the series. They are just was not my kind of book. So, it makes little sense to continue to pound noise through my earbuds on the next book in the series. If it weren't so old, I'd turn it in for an audible.com refund.
May 14, 2017
The story continues....aleady have next book....
Lovely sweet story..people..bad and good are very believable and worth knowing! Ready to continue the wonderful story... Thanks to author and her staff!!
Lovely sweet story..people..bad and good are very believable and worth knowing! Ready to continue the wonderful story... Thanks to author and her staff!!
July 18, 2017
Very enjoyable.
This book took a few chapters to get me interested. I wasn't about to abandon book #4. Eventually it snagged me and took hold. I can't wait to find out how Reverend Joshua and Delia's lives played out. And I love Mica. Advancing to book 5!!
This book took a few chapters to get me interested. I wasn't about to abandon book #4. Eventually it snagged me and took hold. I can't wait to find out how Reverend Joshua and Delia's lives played out. And I love Mica. Advancing to book 5!!
October 8, 2017
A chance for a new start?!
Change in our life can happen for a variety of reasons, this sweet story addresses a number of such changes in the lives of the folks of Sweetwater and of course a bit of courting too.
Change in our life can happen for a variety of reasons, this sweet story addresses a number of such changes in the lives of the folks of Sweetwater and of course a bit of courting too.
February 13, 2020
Love for Sweetwater Springs Series
My one complaint was this left much hanging.
Did Dupray get on the train never to be heard from again. Would have been nice to see them get married. Where did Delia & her father love in interim.
Future books just showed glimpses of them.
My one complaint was this left much hanging.
Did Dupray get on the train never to be heard from again. Would have been nice to see them get married. Where did Delia & her father love in interim.
Future books just showed glimpses of them.
May 28, 2020
A bit off the mark.
While I enjoyed the first two offerings in this series, I found this one to be a bit dragging. Hopefully the next book in this series will capture my interest once again.
While I enjoyed the first two offerings in this series, I found this one to be a bit dragging. Hopefully the next book in this series will capture my interest once again.
October 6, 2020
Glorious Montana Sky
Josh and his son Mike go to sweet water springs and Delli and het father is on the same train heading to Josh hometown. Delli has a secret she hideing black blood. After she tell Josh he thinks on it, and found 💘.
Josh and his son Mike go to sweet water springs and Delli and het father is on the same train heading to Josh hometown. Delli has a secret she hideing black blood. After she tell Josh he thinks on it, and found 💘.
May 13, 2022
A really heartwarming story!
I loved this book, it reminded me of growing up with my grandparents and the small churches we visited. It brought tears a few times as the storyline grew. I can't wait for the sheriff's story!
I loved this book, it reminded me of growing up with my grandparents and the small churches we visited. It brought tears a few times as the storyline grew. I can't wait for the sheriff's story!
October 20, 2022
A great series
Great writer.
She has interesting plots and characters.
I have enjoyed all the books so far in this series
and I look forward to the next book.
I do recommend this writer and this series.
I will be searching for more of her books.
Great writer.
She has interesting plots and characters.
I have enjoyed all the books so far in this series
and I look forward to the next book.
I do recommend this writer and this series.
I will be searching for more of her books.
February 6, 2023
Glorious Montana Sky was another wonderful read. Debora Holland does not disappoint in this 4th book In the series. Reverend Joshua and his hound son Michah find love with a woman with a bit of a mysterious past. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews