Rock of Refuge: A Frontier Novel

Mysterious Ways #2

by Donna Westover Gallup

In the second novel of the Mysterious Ways series, Charlie is a young man longing for adventure and to get away from the isolated farm nestled against the Rocky Mountains, where his grandfather has raised him. This story is longer and more complex than the first book in the series, White As Snow . Readers get to know Charlie and Grandpa on deeper levels, as romantic interests, villains, and angels again enter the story. Charlie joins a cattle drive that takes him to the rip-roaring new city of Denver, where he encounters challenges that test his honor and his ability to sacrifice for those he loves.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

280 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jimmie Kepler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Westover Gallup ‘s book “Rock of Refuge “ will keep you wanting to turn to the next page and keep reading. I found myself not wanting to put it down. It really is that good.

The story is set in the Colorado territory in 1871. The author provides superb characters. There is Charlie. He is seventeen and growing restless. He is ready to find his way in life. There is Grandpa. Charlie has lived with his grandfather since age three. Grandpa is his best friend, father figure, and spiritual mentor. There is the Tuttle family with son Wilbur and daughter Mary Lou as well as Ben Jacobs. And there are Charlie’s and Grandpa’s horses, Star and Bessie.

There are the persons from the trail drive: Sarge, McQueen (one of two villains), Miller, LeFaye, Peterson, and Preston. In Denver we meet Nakima, the Judge Walker, Amelia, Dixie, and Rebecca, and the second villain Big T.

The story has Charlie and Grandpa heading north on a trail drive. Grandpa is only going as far as Denver as he has to settle his cousin’s estate. Charlie is planning on going to Fort Collins.

We learn of the adventures they have along the way. It is a story that includes trusting God, loving your family, and facing the challenges life throws your way.

The book is wonderful. It should be in every community library. Thank you Donna Westover Gallup for such a wholesome and inspirational book.

The book is book two of three books “Mysterious Ways” Series. "White as Snow" is book one of the "Mysterious Ways Series. Book three is "In Green Pastures." You will enjoy the book without having read book one. It stands alone very well. My guess is if you read book two, you’ll go back and read book one. It’s that good!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie was raised by his grandpa beginning at 3-years of age. He only knows life as living on the farm and being based from the word of God. Reality strikes as he goes on him first cattle drive to through Colorado without his beloved grand-father. During this time he comes in contact with the real world and discovers that there is real evil out there. Can Charlie make it on his own when he comes face to face with those who wish to kill him? Is he willing to turn all things over to God even his relationship with his grand-father? Will his love and faith see him through?

Read this story of adventure, action and danger.

This story starts off sweet but then when action starts it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Skeeter Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. About Charlie and his grandpa and their Faith in God. Set in Colorado, near the Rocky Mountains, involves cattle drives, love interests and even Angels. It was a very good Faith-based book. I will probably read it again. I have not read the first book, but will look for it now, so I can read it too.

[R.G. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna again sprinkles Christian beliefs throughout her story of Colorado in the 1800's. Charlie has grown up to be a fine young Christian that must make decisions regarding his beliefs and the sharing of them. The story is a stand alone history of a young man reaching out to capture life in an area of Colorado in its infancy. The authors description of the territory is very factual and having lived in Colorado in was fun trying to place the areas intertwined throughout the story. It is a story you will want to have time to read in large sections as you won't want to put it down. There is sadness, joy, faith, and reward throughout the story and you will not want to miss any of it. This was a very good follow-up book, or companion to the authors first book in this series, White as Snow. I recommend it highly and thank the author for taking me on this joyous trip. A good read for all ages.

[LadyCalico · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad to pick up with my dear little Charlie's adventures as a young man. However, I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as White as Snow. The supernatural elements got to be too left field and proved to be a bit much. I don't have any problems with Jess and an Angel or two around to see that prayers get answered, but that stuff about Micah/Charlie I just didn't get. I just got a headache trying to figure out what that stuff was all about, and it didn't strike me as being all that scriptural. It was a glaring weak spot in an otherwise great story. Oh, well, loved the book anyway even if Micah gave me a headache.