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Rocky Mountain Legacy #1
Honor's Pledge
Abigail Martin and Montgomery Farrel find their worlds colliding when a debt of honor must be paid in this novel about frontier life in the Colorado Rockies.
287 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
3 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Heitzmann
46 books918 followersKristen Heitzmann is the award winning author of contemporary romantic suspense, psychological suspense, and historical series. An artist and musician, she'll also be found hiking the Rocky Mountain trails.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 4, 2024
Wow! Kristen Heitzmann is such a wonderful writer! This book is captivating and inspiring. "The sky was sugared with stars, and the air smelled sweet." I was there in my mind, seeing the brilliance of the sparkling stars.
What a cast of characters! I found myself deeply invested in their lives. Abigail grows and matures so much in this book. She starts out as an innocent woman and then suffers much heartache and despair. Her faith in God is put to the test multiple times. Sharlyn is my favorite. She loves with her whole being, no restraints.
There are some extremely harrowing circumstances. There's murder, a kidnapping, and alcohol dependency. There's also love, second chances, new life, and hope!
What a cast of characters! I found myself deeply invested in their lives. Abigail grows and matures so much in this book. She starts out as an innocent woman and then suffers much heartache and despair. Her faith in God is put to the test multiple times. Sharlyn is my favorite. She loves with her whole being, no restraints.
There are some extremely harrowing circumstances. There's murder, a kidnapping, and alcohol dependency. There's also love, second chances, new life, and hope!
March 20, 2019
I've long been a fan of the Rocky Mountain Legacy series. I remember stumbling across these books when I was in middle school. Our school librarian had just ordered a bunch of new books, and these were among them.
I love, love, love, Abbie's character. She's real and fresh - a character I could totally identify with. She's on the verge of womanhood but still very much a child. She's got her flaws (as we all d0), but they only endeared me to her more.
The first time I read this book, I was captivated. The storyline is gripping, and I totally didn't see any of the events that happened coming. A true page-turner, these books keep you on the edge of your seat.
Heitzmann has a beautiful writing style that's rich with descriptive imagery, and Christian teachings are interwoven throughout throughout the book but not in a "preachy" manner.
Five stars every time I read it.
I love, love, love, Abbie's character. She's real and fresh - a character I could totally identify with. She's on the verge of womanhood but still very much a child. She's got her flaws (as we all d0), but they only endeared me to her more.
The first time I read this book, I was captivated. The storyline is gripping, and I totally didn't see any of the events that happened coming. A true page-turner, these books keep you on the edge of your seat.
Heitzmann has a beautiful writing style that's rich with descriptive imagery, and Christian teachings are interwoven throughout throughout the book but not in a "preachy" manner.
Five stars every time I read it.
September 3, 2008
I orginally listened to this from Books In Motion, and really liked it. (The reader did a great job, and it's a great story.) It's a great light romance read set in the "Old West" in Colorado. The characters are wonderful and complex, and so is the plot--not all formulaic (though there are some elements like that--as in any book). It is the 1st in a 5-book series that chronicles the romance between Abbie Martin, a fiery young lady of Colorado, and Monte Farrell, Southern Gentleman recently relocated after the Civil War.
October 27, 2021
Unfortunately, the descriptions of the Comanche and of slaves left me cringing. I realize this was written a while ago, so perhaps the writer would make big changes if she could. It seems too colonial and racist to read the rest of the series.
December 22, 2021
A fast read, exciting and very well-written, but the conclusion was a wee bit disappointing.
Setting: Colorado Territory, near the Rocky Mountains, sometime in the early-to-mid 1870s. The Civil War, being in the recent past, played a somewhat significant role, and the expansion of the west and finding gold was of course important in the story. As is often with Christian/romance novels, the characters became familiar with each other very quickly--even the younger man called the parents of the young woman by their first names. That common annoyance aside, I appreciated the emphasis on a particular entrenched Southern trench--that of honor.
Characters: Abbie was your classic rambunctious and outspoken tomboy main character. However, she was well written and acted within that character consistently, while at the same time maturing throughout the book. Blake was a great character, and he also fit the setting well. Again, not the most unique character ever, but still well-written. Monte was certainly amazing, although I didn't like how his character arc was presented so vaguely. Was what he did wrong, or not? His concluding perspective was in the affirmative, and the emotional reader will of course agree. But Abbie had a different opinion, even to the end, and objectively, I think she had the better point, bitter though she was. I think the fault here was rooted in the author's presentation, and not the characters individually.
There were minor characters and family members as supporting characters throughout. I enjoyed having both Abbie's parents around, though they didn't have major roles. Frances had a well-written role, but boy was she annoying. Classic Southern witch. Sharlyn was an especially sweet character, but by the end I started wondering just how realistic she was.
Plot: Not for the faint of heart, for one. For another, not a story that is easily put down. On the other hand, it wasn't the smoothest one-thing-leads-to-another kind of plot. It would have flowed better if it wasn't solely a romance, which the conclusion leads the reader to believe.
Faith Content: The book had a lovely Christian aura to the whole story, not too overt--like Blake's faith--but guiding the theme in a subtle way. Until near the end, when some spiritual lesson sprang upon them rather suddenly. But that was a small part of the book, and the majority was pleasant, although I personally would have preferred a deeper dive into the matter of *honor*--can someone have "too much" honor? Another subtle issue (subtle because it wasn't mentioned/addressed) was Monte's struggle with a certain sin--or lack thereof--that was quite common in his culture. Basically, the book was too clean to delve into such matters.
Overall, a good book with an engaging plot. Recommended for historical romance readers.
Setting: Colorado Territory, near the Rocky Mountains, sometime in the early-to-mid 1870s. The Civil War, being in the recent past, played a somewhat significant role, and the expansion of the west and finding gold was of course important in the story. As is often with Christian/romance novels, the characters became familiar with each other very quickly--even the younger man called the parents of the young woman by their first names. That common annoyance aside, I appreciated the emphasis on a particular entrenched Southern trench--that of honor.
Characters: Abbie was your classic rambunctious and outspoken tomboy main character. However, she was well written and acted within that character consistently, while at the same time maturing throughout the book. Blake was a great character, and he also fit the setting well. Again, not the most unique character ever, but still well-written. Monte was certainly amazing, although I didn't like how his character arc was presented so vaguely. Was what he did wrong, or not? His concluding perspective was in the affirmative, and the emotional reader will of course agree. But Abbie had a different opinion, even to the end, and objectively, I think she had the better point, bitter though she was. I think the fault here was rooted in the author's presentation, and not the characters individually.
There were minor characters and family members as supporting characters throughout. I enjoyed having both Abbie's parents around, though they didn't have major roles. Frances had a well-written role, but boy was she annoying. Classic Southern witch. Sharlyn was an especially sweet character, but by the end I started wondering just how realistic she was.
Plot: Not for the faint of heart, for one. For another, not a story that is easily put down. On the other hand, it wasn't the smoothest one-thing-leads-to-another kind of plot. It would have flowed better if it wasn't solely a romance, which the conclusion leads the reader to believe.
Faith Content: The book had a lovely Christian aura to the whole story, not too overt--like Blake's faith--but guiding the theme in a subtle way. Until near the end, when some spiritual lesson sprang upon them rather suddenly. But that was a small part of the book, and the majority was pleasant, although I personally would have preferred a deeper dive into the matter of *honor*--can someone have "too much" honor? Another subtle issue (subtle because it wasn't mentioned/addressed) was Monte's struggle with a certain sin--or lack thereof--that was quite common in his culture. Basically, the book was too clean to delve into such matters.
Overall, a good book with an engaging plot. Recommended for historical romance readers.
October 18, 2017
I quickly liked this book because I related to some of the Southern charm and themes as the book takes place right after the Civil War. Abbie is an unrefined young woman in the Colorado territory and Montgomery is a polished and refined guy who follows the Southern gentleman code of conduct....even when he is in the wilds of the Rockies.
Soon, Abbie seems to have the affection of two men. The rich and smooth Montgomery as well as her neighbor and childhood friend, Blake. She is determined to wait for true love however before marrying.
This book is strong on Honor....Living with Honor even when your own dreams and desires won't be realized. There were a few surprises in the story and I was eager to read the 2nd book when this first one was finished. There is no language or sex in this book.
Soon, Abbie seems to have the affection of two men. The rich and smooth Montgomery as well as her neighbor and childhood friend, Blake. She is determined to wait for true love however before marrying.
This book is strong on Honor....Living with Honor even when your own dreams and desires won't be realized. There were a few surprises in the story and I was eager to read the 2nd book when this first one was finished. There is no language or sex in this book.
January 29, 2018
I liked this book because it held your attention from the very beginning. Even tho Abbie was pretty much unrefined in Colorado she had spent some years in New York with an Aunt who was mean, but I imagine made sure she had some refinement.
When she goes back to Colorado she meets a southern man who has come west, bought land and is preparing to settle down. He is quite refined however, so there is many differences between them. When she comes back she also gets reacquainted with a boy she knew in her childhood who has always loved her.When Montgomery the southern gentleman goes back east for a visit, all their lives change. I did not like the brutality through out the book, but I like this book much better than the 2nd one.
When she goes back to Colorado she meets a southern man who has come west, bought land and is preparing to settle down. He is quite refined however, so there is many differences between them. When she comes back she also gets reacquainted with a boy she knew in her childhood who has always loved her.When Montgomery the southern gentleman goes back east for a visit, all their lives change. I did not like the brutality through out the book, but I like this book much better than the 2nd one.
November 3, 2020
NOPE. The only reason I give this 2 stars rather than 5 is because this book had so much potential. It was descriptive, it was fun, the leading lady did not manage to cross the line from spunky to obnoxious, and the romance was rather stirring. And then the “pledge” part happened, and completely ruined everything forever. And for no justifiable reason, despite how many paragraphs are taken up in an attempt to make them seem honorable for doing this. How about... oh, I don’t know? Just tell the poor girl the truth about the skeeze bucket that’s taking advantage of her, instead of jumping into a marriage to “protect” her?!? What in the world?! What a horrible waste of a great setup!!
March 7, 2018
Not the normal caliber of Heitzman’s other works, but I did enjoy this series more than a lot of other Christian fiction.
August 19, 2018
DNF. Bad audio
October 3, 2025
A good history of life in Colorado after the civil war. The daughter of the small town newspaper publisher is face with choices in love and how to treat the Native American who still lived close by.
September 28, 2017
A bit of everything wild west and homesteading in this story, mostly comes across as a romance.
March 12, 2017
coming-of-age story of friendship, love, loss, and honor
October 27, 2010
So... wow. It's fairly obvious from the beginning that Abbie and Monte are heroine and hero (respectively) of the story, but HOLY FREAKING COW... Every single time I thought I had the story figured out, something CRAZY would happen that totally threw all my ideas off! It was like the author stopped periodically and asked herself, "All right... What are my readers going to expect here, because I surely don't want to give them that!" I mean, WOW, talk about plot twists!!
And GEE WHIZ, the plot was like a Christian soap opera! I don't know that I necessarily LIKED what happened, and I TOTALLY think Monte should have SAID SOMETHING and gotten himself out of the whole thing.... But I GUESS I get why he did it. I'd hate to have been in any way involved in the situation!
I've read a little about how the series continues (5 books total in it), and I don't think I will go on. Monte and Abbie have had enough issues. I just want to give them a rest now... I mean, watching the 8 Janette Oke Love Comes Softly movies was one thing (they take a lot less time)... but after a BOOK has a good ending, I like to imagine that everything goes happily-ever-after/smooth-sailing from that point on. None of this frontier-people-dying-left-and-right stuff that was "realistic"...
So in my mind, Abbie and Monte are going to get married, go on an incredible European tour for a honeymoon, come back home to Colorado, have 6 healthy babies, be financially successful, and live happily ever after. Yep. That's how the story goes for me. :)
And GEE WHIZ, the plot was like a Christian soap opera! I don't know that I necessarily LIKED what happened, and I TOTALLY think Monte should have SAID SOMETHING and gotten himself out of the whole thing.... But I GUESS I get why he did it. I'd hate to have been in any way involved in the situation!
I've read a little about how the series continues (5 books total in it), and I don't think I will go on. Monte and Abbie have had enough issues. I just want to give them a rest now... I mean, watching the 8 Janette Oke Love Comes Softly movies was one thing (they take a lot less time)... but after a BOOK has a good ending, I like to imagine that everything goes happily-ever-after/smooth-sailing from that point on. None of this frontier-people-dying-left-and-right stuff that was "realistic"...
So in my mind, Abbie and Monte are going to get married, go on an incredible European tour for a honeymoon, come back home to Colorado, have 6 healthy babies, be financially successful, and live happily ever after. Yep. That's how the story goes for me. :)
June 28, 2017
**Update: Unlike Heitzmann's other historical fiction series, "Rocky Mountain Legacy" does not hold up to scrutiny the second time around. I am reading the remainder of the series because they are not absolutely terrible and I also want to make sure that I bank enough before my next trip. This book and series did not survive round two of the "purge" of my personal collection.**
This book is the first in a series that I remember absolutely loving. As with most of those type books from my collection that I'm re-reading, I approached this book with apprehension. I really did not want to be left down.
At first I was unsure. A little of the dialogue and a little of the plot felt a bit cliché, the type of Christian-fiction cliché that I hate. It's hard to describe but it was almost like Heitzmann felt that those certain things had to be part of her novel. As the story really got rolling, the almost-clichés disappeared and I got sucked into the story.
It's not perfect by any means. A lot of it I could predict but it was the kind of predictable that I don't mind because it leads the story in the direction that I really wanted to it go. Some might complain about the "convenient" deaths but in reality, life was precarious. (it still is of course.) Life was dangerous and people died when they might not die today.
As this story ended I'll admit that I peaked ahead into the next four books. I remember why I love this series so much. I can't wait to read the rest.
This book is the first in a series that I remember absolutely loving. As with most of those type books from my collection that I'm re-reading, I approached this book with apprehension. I really did not want to be left down.
At first I was unsure. A little of the dialogue and a little of the plot felt a bit cliché, the type of Christian-fiction cliché that I hate. It's hard to describe but it was almost like Heitzmann felt that those certain things had to be part of her novel. As the story really got rolling, the almost-clichés disappeared and I got sucked into the story.
It's not perfect by any means. A lot of it I could predict but it was the kind of predictable that I don't mind because it leads the story in the direction that I really wanted to it go. Some might complain about the "convenient" deaths but in reality, life was precarious. (it still is of course.) Life was dangerous and people died when they might not die today.
As this story ended I'll admit that I peaked ahead into the next four books. I remember why I love this series so much. I can't wait to read the rest.
February 13, 2017
I think she could have made the beginning more interesting, but overall a very good book!
Very intriguing and has many interesting twists and turns!
Very intriguing and has many interesting twists and turns!
December 18, 2013
I just finished this wonderful novel by Heitzmann and it left me thrilled! Drama, faith, love, honor and so much more play out in this well written novel, that leaves me eager for Book 2.
Seriously, this book has so much to recommended it! Our heroine, Abbie, is sure to capture your heart. She is a free spirit, honest, loving and she just shines. There is a wonderful ensemble of characters in this book and plenty of drama going about to keep you eagerly devouring the pages. Honor and love, which do you esteem higher? Are they separate or can they be as one? What would you do if you had to choose? All these questions and many more arise, as you fly through this novel.
I like that in this novel everything isn't perfect. There are struggles, hurts, times to love and times to forgive... Just as in real life we can't always see the good but we must trust God above all else and let Him work things together for good. He is faithful and He is good.
This one is definitely a keeper for me! I hope you will enjoy it too! Four and a half stars!
Seriously, this book has so much to recommended it! Our heroine, Abbie, is sure to capture your heart. She is a free spirit, honest, loving and she just shines. There is a wonderful ensemble of characters in this book and plenty of drama going about to keep you eagerly devouring the pages. Honor and love, which do you esteem higher? Are they separate or can they be as one? What would you do if you had to choose? All these questions and many more arise, as you fly through this novel.
I like that in this novel everything isn't perfect. There are struggles, hurts, times to love and times to forgive... Just as in real life we can't always see the good but we must trust God above all else and let Him work things together for good. He is faithful and He is good.
This one is definitely a keeper for me! I hope you will enjoy it too! Four and a half stars!
September 18, 2011
First in a series. A Christian romance from Bethany House. Abigail is a tomboyish young lady in the West. She is determined to marry for love and has turned down her childhood friend on the basis that they do not share the right kind of love. Montgomery is a refined gentleman from the South who falls in love with her. Monte also believes in honor above all else. Monte returns to the South to deal with some family business and is called upon to honor an agreement made years ago to marry his father's best friend's daughter. When Monte and Sharlyn return to his Colorado ranch, Abbie is devastated by his "betrayal".
A light read with many plot twists.
A light read with many plot twists.
March 1, 2013
This series was really good. It had it's tragedies and its comedies. It was the best Western Romance I've ever read. I think that just mixing those two genres made it a good series. Kristen Heitzmann writes really good Christian books. Usually Christian books tend to be cheesy and more focused on salvation than on the plot. In this series she focuses entirely on her story. The drama pulled me in and made me eager to read what was on the next page. Her characters are so real, and the way she describes the settings make me believe I am actually there. If you are into romance or westerns then this is the book for you.
April 15, 2020
I read this a couple years ago and loved it! If you like historical fiction- frontier days type books this series rocks!!
Reread: I remembered really enjoying this series but it had been 14 years since I had read it. I listened to it this time and had a hard time stopping. Abbie Martin is an entertaining, lively and relatable character. Living in Colorado is hard work and was not without its perils. I enjoy a book that does not sugar coat everything or have it work out easily for everyone and this book fit that bill.
Reread: I remembered really enjoying this series but it had been 14 years since I had read it. I listened to it this time and had a hard time stopping. Abbie Martin is an entertaining, lively and relatable character. Living in Colorado is hard work and was not without its perils. I enjoy a book that does not sugar coat everything or have it work out easily for everyone and this book fit that bill.
November 21, 2008
So, this series of was one of my favorites from like 7th grade, I was wandering through the library the other day, and saw then, so I grabbed the first one. I began reading it, and was like "Oh, dear! What have I gotten myself into." The book was a sappy teenage love story, and I thought I knew exactly what was going to happen...
But then there was a twist...
And then another...
I found my self enthralled, and had to see how everything worked out because I could not remember. Needless to say, the series is still a favorite. Yay!
But then there was a twist...
And then another...
I found my self enthralled, and had to see how everything worked out because I could not remember. Needless to say, the series is still a favorite. Yay!
December 13, 2008
I read that this was Kristen Heitzmann's first novel, so I wondered how it would be. I thought she did a very nice job. The story was captivating (although when I told my husband about it, it sounded kind of . . . strange and/or predictable). I would have liked the ending to go a little further. I had about two pages left, and I wondered if it was going to have a sequel. It is the first in a series, but I'm not sure that the next one has to do with the first at all.
Anyway, quick and easy read. Some things were predictable, but there were also twists and turns I didn't expect.
Anyway, quick and easy read. Some things were predictable, but there were also twists and turns I didn't expect.
November 29, 2011
This was my first book with this author. I thought it was a fairly good story, with some really interesting twists and turns and even one very brilliant surprise, but the dialog seemed rather empty and contrived. While making difficult choices to live by honor is a worthy theme, the premise of this challenge seemed unrealistic to me. This is not a book nor an author that I would enthusiastically recommend, but I plan to try one more book and see what happens.
November 22, 2012
This is actually the book that got me into historical fiction. I was wondering around the library and picked it up. Because it was the first book in this genre I had ever read, I was definitely not the book snob I am now. That being said, I reread the series, and it still enchants. I just love the story, and how you watch her develop and change and deal with life's challenges. Love this series!
October 2, 2014
Despite the cheesy cover, I decided to give this (audio) book a try- it was written by Kristen Heitzmann and narrated by Kate Forbes after all. I liked the first few chapters, but thought I had the plot figured out. It turned out to contain some twists in the story that I didn't expect. It was an enjoyable "read".
December 29, 2012
Abbie is headstrong, talented, and beautiful. What else do you want in a protagonist? Placed in the scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, this series is a good read. I don't own the series, but I always check them out from the library if they're there and I'm in the mood.
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November 16, 2015I just finished the whole series. Book 1 was really good. Books 2 and 3 were ok. I wouldn't really recommend them but unfortunately they are in the middle of a series. I did enjoy book 4 and 5. Book 5 was Honor's Reward and was the second best in the series.
December 1, 2015
I really liked this entire series.
October 24, 2008
I love this series. I love the setting of the Rocky Mountains, and the simplicity of the time.
March 2, 2009
A very quick read - although a nice distraction from everything else going on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews