Mountain Rescue

Echo Mountain #1

by Hope White

SECRETS OF THE MOUNTAIN 

It took just one look in Quinn Donovan's eyes and Wilhelma "Billie" Bronson knew the search and rescue volunteer had saved her life. Again. But this time her fall down a mountain was no accident. It seemed her past had come back to haunt her, and trusting Quinn to protect her was the best way to stay alive. Before long, though, old feelings resurfaced, and being around him became more challenging than figuring out who wanted to hurt her. And why they'd stop at nothing to spoil any possible future with Quinn. 

Echo Mountain: Saving lives and finding love in the mountains of Washington State

Genres: Romance, Christian, Mystery, Love Inspired, Christian Fiction, Love Inspired Suspense, Romantic Suspense

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Accused of being an eternal optimist, I was born and raised in the Midwest and migrated to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago. I began spinning tales of intrigue and adventure when I was in grade school, and wrote my first book when I was eleven — a thriller that ended with a mysterious phone call the reader never heard!

My college sweetheart and I have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with two wonderful sons, a bossy kitty and feisty Golden Retriever.

When not dreaming up inspirational tales, I’m usually out hiking in the Cascade Mountains, enjoying a fine cup of tea with friends, or hiding out in a movie theatre. I love to hear from readers! hopewhiteauthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
Much better than the other Hope White book I tried. I wouldn't have tried her again, but I'd already downloaded this book, so I'm glad it happened that way.

Billie's in trouble. Apparently there was much more to her husband's death than just a wild hiking accident, and now his former cohorts in crime are after her in an attempt to recover the extra cut her husband had been taking from his illicit gains. Of course, Billie had no clue. Now she's the target, and only Quinn can help her avoid being captured, used, and killed by the bad guys.

It's very fast-paced, and yet there's a lot thrown in about her relationships with her friends, too, which I liked. Both Billie and Quinn are Christians and turn to prayer when in need. Now I'm considering reading more of the series, about others of her friends in the SAR team.

Note: The book I didn't like, Safe Harbor, is about Quinn's brother, and has some appearances by both Quinn and Billie, but is not necessary to read to enjoy this book fully.

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is quite good! It really jumped right into the story-- right into the action. I almost felt like there was a previous book in the series, but I checked and this is the first.

The mystery was the best! I had no idea until quite late in the story who the culprit was! That's the kind of mystery I like. ;)

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in new Echo Mountain series...

Billie Bronson is finally ready to face her demons, she is hiking to the very spot along the Cascade Mountain trail where she and her husband Rick had been rescued a short year ago. The hike was suppose to be a way to get their marriage back on track but they had argued and Rick struck out alone and fell. Billie kept vigil until their rescue but Rick died soon afterward. Today she was looking for forgiveness and understanding about why her marriage failed. She was startled by a stranger along the trail, someone from Rick's past wanting something from her. As they struggled, Billie lost her footing and fell. Her last thought before she blacked out was about Quinn, the man that had rescued her before. The man she had grown to care for and the one man that she could count on to find her.

Search and Rescue volunteer Quinn Donovan's heart skipped a beat when he learned that the subject of the rescue was Billie. Quinn had developed feelings for Billie but she deserved a better man, so he had stayed away. When he finds out that Billie is being stalked, however, Quinn needs to protect her by any means. His intervention into her life is not exactly appreciated by Billie, who is just as determined to keep her distance from Quinn as he is to protect her.

Inspirational author Hope White has created two flawed characters who need each other but are unaware of that need in MOUNTAIN RESCUE. Billie relies on her faith to find the answers while Quinn is sure that he is not good enough to call on God for help, much less love Billie. They both experience ominous danger while trying to discover the reasons behind the threats on Billie's life. The reader is taken on a suspenseful roller coaster ride right up to the breath-taking surprise ending of MOUNTAIN RESCUE by brilliant star Hope White.

[Dorel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I read by Hope White. I enjoyed this book's storyline. I really liked the action in this story. I really liked the Christian theme in this story. I really liked Billie's character. I really liked Quinn's character. I really liked the ending.

[John Hanscom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is generous. I was going to give it two stars. It had two of the most stupid, self-centered. and dislikable protagonists in any of the series I have read so far, and I have read a lot. The only thing which saved it was an ending that was so unexpected and so perfect it watered my eyes, and, then, the couple went back to being stupid, centered. and dislikable.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel more than the original, because Billie had more attitude than Nicole. My only concern was Quinn's inability to see his faults in self-blame as clearly as his brother Alex's. Otherwise, his nobility in trying to do what's right for Billie (by denying their love) felt real and natural. The ending was sweet without going over-board.

[Lynne H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billie and Quinn must learn to trust each other as well as lean on God in this suspense story set in the mountains with the Search and Rescue group at a hotel.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the Echo Mountain series. What fun to discover some characters from another book by the same author! I intend to read the rest of this series this month!

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed with lots of twists and turns!

Billie is up on the mountain, finding closure after the death of her husband, when a guy pushes her over the edge. Quinn is part of the Search and Rescue team that finds her this second time as well. Then he decides to keep protected even after he had chased her away previously. But why are these people after her now? What do they want? How can Quinn keep her safe and yet not get too close to her? This is an action packed adventure with tons of character development.

The pace is breakneck and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story. I would read Hope White's story Safe Harbor before this, as it introduces many of the characters in this story, even though it is not set on Echo Mountain, but in a nearby town with Quinn's older brother as the main character for that one. I consider it Echo Mountain 0.5!

[Lyndi W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I keep ending up with Christian romances, but this one wasn't overly religious so I wasn't too put off by it.

I liked the plot and the characters. The twist was really surprising! I had trouble with the hero, Quinn. I just didn't buy the "damaged little boy" vibe he gave off and I despised his "I'm not good enough to even pray to God" nonsense. It was annoying and unbelievable.

Overall, it was okay, but the suspense and twist bumped it up from two to three stars.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful opening story to Echo Mountain series

I liked the mystery of who was trying to get to Billie. I enjoyed watching Billie and Quinn muddle their way through their troubles to a relationship. Even though Quinn didn't think he was good for Billie, but he couldn't stop protecting her. I also initially thought the bad guy was someone else, so good misdirection. Wonderful book

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with great characters. Wilhelma "Billie" Branson is trying to overcome the past and find out the truth about her late husband but someone is trying to kill her. Quinn Donovan appears to be a strong man but needs to overcome his childhood. I recommend Mountain Rescue to others. You won't be disappointed.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series. As I read, I kept thinking that some of the characters sounded slightly familiar. It turns out that some were introduced in a different book. I actually love when this happens!

[Sandra Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series. Surprise at the end!

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story was okay, typical suspense nothing exciting to say about it

[Susan Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Lindah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated that there was little violence in the story and a lot of emotion was brought out on the page.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Echo Mountain

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Echo Mountain