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Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim, A Novel Based on the True Life Stories of James Nugent and Isabella Bird
It has been a long time coming. Ever since booklovers started reading Isabella Bird’s famous 1879 travelogue, A Lady’s Life in the Rocky Mountains,readers have been curious about the character of James Nugent, better known as Rocky Mountain Jim. Yet, only a trifling has ever been written about him.
Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim, A Novel Based on the True Life Stories of James Nugent and Isabella Bird brings together little known facts about the man while expanding on the compelling relationship that develops between two people who could not be more opposite.
In 1873, Rocky Mountain Jim is a hunter and trapper in Estes Park, a settlement just forming in the Colorado Territory. Scarred not only physically from a vicious grizzly bear attack, but emotionally from previous war experiences, he now lives alone in his cabin.
When strong-willed Englishwoman, Isabella Bird, visits the area, and Jim acts as her guide in a treacherous ascent up Longs Peak Mountain, an unlikely but undeniable attraction develops between the two. Complicating Jim’s life further is powerful Lord Dunraven, who schemes to turn the region into his own private game preserve. Jim struggles to keep Estes Park safe from Dunraven’s greed while fighting for a commitment from Isabella.
Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim is historical fiction that completes the story between Jim and Isabella, told amidst a stunning, rugged landscape and a frontier that is just beginning to learn its potential.
Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim, A Novel Based on the True Life Stories of James Nugent and Isabella Bird brings together little known facts about the man while expanding on the compelling relationship that develops between two people who could not be more opposite.
In 1873, Rocky Mountain Jim is a hunter and trapper in Estes Park, a settlement just forming in the Colorado Territory. Scarred not only physically from a vicious grizzly bear attack, but emotionally from previous war experiences, he now lives alone in his cabin.
When strong-willed Englishwoman, Isabella Bird, visits the area, and Jim acts as her guide in a treacherous ascent up Longs Peak Mountain, an unlikely but undeniable attraction develops between the two. Complicating Jim’s life further is powerful Lord Dunraven, who schemes to turn the region into his own private game preserve. Jim struggles to keep Estes Park safe from Dunraven’s greed while fighting for a commitment from Isabella.
Reaching Rocky Mountain Jim is historical fiction that completes the story between Jim and Isabella, told amidst a stunning, rugged landscape and a frontier that is just beginning to learn its potential.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2014
192 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 21, 2021
What a great story
This book has it all. Love. Greed. And intrigue over what will happen to the land. I was disappointed in the ending. But then everyone doesn't end up happily ever after
This book has it all. Love. Greed. And intrigue over what will happen to the land. I was disappointed in the ending. But then everyone doesn't end up happily ever after
May 15, 2021
This book was nicely written. However, I had some problems with the character description of Isabella Bird. I read her book "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" (which I can really recommend) and I got an entirely different view of her character, by the way, her book was written than the character described by Kari August. That might just be me. Nevertheless, I can recommend this book just because it is about some of the few females who travelled the world during a time when it was entirely improper for women to do so. And unchaperoned *gasp*
September 12, 2021
Estes Park
I live in Longmont, Co. I go to Estes Park all the time. The story was filled with interesting aspects of the area. I know all the places mentioned in the book. I'm glad that the National park was saved. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Thank you for the history you shared.
I live in Longmont, Co. I go to Estes Park all the time. The story was filled with interesting aspects of the area. I know all the places mentioned in the book. I'm glad that the National park was saved. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Thank you for the history you shared.
November 4, 2021
Another great book from Kari August!!
I loved this historical fiction book (based on a true character). It truly caught my attention at the beginning and kept it till the end! Although not a series the characters cross in this book with Catching Currents , Settling the Wind and The Cabin at Jackson Hole. All 4 are really good reads!
I loved this historical fiction book (based on a true character). It truly caught my attention at the beginning and kept it till the end! Although not a series the characters cross in this book with Catching Currents , Settling the Wind and The Cabin at Jackson Hole. All 4 are really good reads!
August 26, 2018
Rocky Mountain Jim
As the descendant of settlers in this part of Colorado I found this book highly entertaining, informative, and a really good read. I would love to see more books of this kind. Good job Kari!
As the descendant of settlers in this part of Colorado I found this book highly entertaining, informative, and a really good read. I would love to see more books of this kind. Good job Kari!
November 3, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I felt like I was really there in such a majestic and beautiful place! Great story which certainly kept me reading for longer than I should have. You won't be sorry for lost sleep though! Enjoy!😊
January 20, 2022
You, rock, Kari August
I've been reading about the Old West almost exclusively for a couple of years now. That's how I read. I've got to say that Kari has a way with words that grips the imagination. I'll have read them all before it's over now that I've found them.
I've been reading about the Old West almost exclusively for a couple of years now. That's how I read. I've got to say that Kari has a way with words that grips the imagination. I'll have read them all before it's over now that I've found them.
May 16, 2022
Good Book
I enjoyed this book, as well as the two that followed, about life in Estes Park. This author really makes her characters come alive. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to relax with a good book. Come to the west and enjoy the breathtaking Rocky Mountains!
I enjoyed this book, as well as the two that followed, about life in Estes Park. This author really makes her characters come alive. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to relax with a good book. Come to the west and enjoy the breathtaking Rocky Mountains!
May 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this story and the bits of history connected. The author does a good job of introducing characters and the beauty/hardships of the area. I look forward to reading the other books she has written. Good job!
April 8, 2022
wonderful
Truly enjoyed this book. Jim and Isabella’s stories were new to me; the author brought them to life while providing insight to the times in beautiful Estes Park.
Truly enjoyed this book. Jim and Isabella’s stories were new to me; the author brought them to life while providing insight to the times in beautiful Estes Park.
April 9, 2022
absolutely one of the best
It has been a long time since I’ve read a book so intriguing. Just was not prepared for the way it ended
It has been a long time since I’ve read a book so intriguing. Just was not prepared for the way it ended
May 27, 2022
This book was well written. But not my kind of story I need more happy ever after.
December 1, 2023
Normally when I start a book I finish it. Could not do it with this one. It felt like a book written for early teens.
August 13, 2024
Very hart warming and sad story
January 2, 2025
What an interesting story. i got pulled into the story & couldn't read fast enough. Was disappointed a the ending. Felt sorry for both of them.
July 7, 2016
Enjoyable
This book takes you back to a time when keeping up appearances was important and a ladies reputation had to be protected at all costs. Jim Nugent was a complicated individual who met a headstrong and independent woman. Would the constraints of society keep them apart? Jim believed in the Rocky Mountains and his home among the hills. His fight to keep things the way they were resulted in the area becoming a national park. His legacy lives on.
This book takes you back to a time when keeping up appearances was important and a ladies reputation had to be protected at all costs. Jim Nugent was a complicated individual who met a headstrong and independent woman. Would the constraints of society keep them apart? Jim believed in the Rocky Mountains and his home among the hills. His fight to keep things the way they were resulted in the area becoming a national park. His legacy lives on.
December 5, 2024
I love Kari's books! Well researched and wonderful stories. I've now read it a second time for a book club. I loved it even more. I also didn't realize that "Settling the Wind", one of Kari's other books was tied to this one. It was also a wonderful read. Off to read " Catching Currents"!!!!
June 14, 2014
Good historical fiction
I did not know any background on Isabelle Lucy Bird or Jim Nugent so this book was a good introduction to another part of history and interesting times.
I did not know any background on Isabelle Lucy Bird or Jim Nugent so this book was a good introduction to another part of history and interesting times.
December 29, 2018
Good
I wished I had read this book before Settling the Wind. Both are great an d d well written stories.
I wished I had read this book before Settling the Wind. Both are great an d d well written stories.
Read
May 28, 2018This is a well written novel. You fall in live with the characters, even if you are frustrated by some of their actions. A wonderful love story with a surprising ending. Everyone should enjoy reading thus book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews