The Lady and the Mountain Promise

Mountain Dreams #4

by Misty M. Beller

Lilly Arendale has fought the anger of prejudice all her life. Her Guatemalan mother and wealthy English father were very much in love and gave her the best of upbringings, but their family was never accepted in either country. Now, orphaned and alone in the mining town of Butte in the Montana Territory, the effects of racism have left Lilly with a one-year old daughter and a fierce desire to avoid men at all costs.

Marcus Sullivan is a born adventurer, and the new preacher in town. He’s not afraid to take a few risks and his ways may be unconventional, but he’s determined to add some joy into the lives of these townspeople. Especially the beautiful young mother who won’t have anything to do with him.

When the threat to Lilly intensifies and her worst fears comes true, how can she find the strength to release control of the one thing that matters most—her daughter’s life? As Marcus steps in to help, the danger only escalates. Has he finally taken a risk he can’t overcome?

Genres: Romance, Historical, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Westerns

253 pages, ebook

First published October 3, 2015

About the author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get a free bestselling novel here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.


Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.

Reviews

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Marcus is a long way from his South Carolina roots in the frontier town of Butte Montana as he becomes the town's newest preacher. At his sister Claire's wedding he spies a beautiful young woman playing on the church's new piano and he is fascinated by her exotic beauty. Lilly is a mystery to almost everyone. The orphaned daughter of an English father and Guatemalan mother, she is shy and guarded to a fault as she zealously protects her adorable two year old daughter from everyone. What happened to daughter Dahlia's father? Traumatized and shamed by something terrible in her past she steadfastly refuses the handsome young preacher's attempts at friendship. Someone sinister is stalking Lilly and her daughter and Marcus desperately wants to protect her and coax her into revealing why. The entire story is full of warmth, terror, and beautiful romantic feelings as the preacher entreats God to show him how he can win the lovely Lilly. What a sweet wholesome Western romance this is.....one full of romantic desire and longing, yet devoid of profanity or overt sexuality. Read how God works miracles in an impossible situation.

[Darlene Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write historical romance, but I don't always find it as absorbing as mysteries. Not in this case. I started reading after I had just finished reading a mystery by one of my favorite authors. The next thing I knew, I was a third of the way through the book. Did I mention this was the middle of the night? The book had plenty of drama, with a clear spiritual message, and characters to care for.

[R Gayle Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Ready to read the next book

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty M. Beller has outdone herself with this adorable western romance tale, The Lady and the Mountain Man. Ms. Beller demonstrates strength in her writing through the development of her characters, who are multi-faceted. Ms. Beller introduces us to our female protagonist, Lilly Arendale, in the opening scenes of this book. The scenes she describes are descriptive and transport the reader into this story. Lilly Arendale is a striking beauty of mixed blood—half Guatemalan and half English—who because of her ethnicity faced discrimination and loneliness, especially after her parents demise. Lilly experiences distrust when she is cruelly taken advantage of at the hands of one of her father’s business associates. As a result of this bitter experience, Lilly finds herself alone to fend for herself and her daughter. For self-preservation, Lilly distances herself from any contact with men as she continue her life as a cook in a café in a western town. She works hard at being invisible, but, she is haunted by her past.
The male protagonist, Marcus Sullivan, is a preacher who strives to reach out to his congregation and give them the best church that he can. Marcus is kind, caring, determined. After seeing Lilly at his sister’s wedding he is determined to get to know her. I like the way Ms. Beller introduces intrigue into the plot line with the sudden emergence and disappearance of elusive Lilly that sends Marcus on his quest. Additionally, I liked the way Ms. Beller interweaves the them of trust as her characters learn to overcome fear and open themselves up to trusting with the assistance of Divine intervention. It is not difficult to see why readers are drawn to these characters. To find out if Marcus finds the elusive Lilly or if Lilly’s secret is uncovered or if she and her daughter are safe, you must read The Lady and the Mountain Promise.

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story of a young woman (Lilly) who had a child, fathered under suspicious circumstances, hiding for years working in a cafe kitchen, as inconspicuous as possible. But one song at a piano for a wedding and she was noticed by the bride's brother, a local preacher. Finally someone to play the piano at church! But try as he might he couldn't find her.
Eventually he learned who she was, but his attempts to make any kind of contact or to ask her if she'd like to play at church were met with refusal over and over.
Eventually, as he got to know her through his sister, he was very careful, and kind, and didn't push, which caused her to trust him.
As time went on, a horrible man from her past came to plague her in real life...not just in her nightmares.
Will she trust Marcus with her secret about this stalker, and will she trust him to protect her?
Good book, but we don't know much about what happened at the end... What really happened to the man or what he did with the little girl. Just not a satisfying conclusion.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite of the series that I have read thus far and I enjoyed very much the last 3 previous books. I expect the next one in the series very soon. I really like Millie, Dahlia, and Marcus. But I like all the other characters in the series as well. One of the things that I like about reading a series is the depth that is added to all of the characters as you continue into each book. I think the book was very well written and laid out. I didn't feel rushed in anyway and I like how it concluded. The only thing that I would have added is when Claire invited her family to come in and meet her baby, is for Claire to have introduced the baby by its name instead of just calling it the "wee one" or "new one." Other than that I enjoyed this book very much. I like how this author weaves God, scripture, faith, and miracles into her stories without being preachy. Just sharing how each person is shaped and affected by God's Grace in their lives. I have learned if the book is by Misty Beller then it is a good one.

[Mary Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady and the Mountain Promise, #4, by Misty M. Beller, I think Misty, the author should have 6 stars, too. Lilly and Marcus and Dahlia who was 2 years old..Marcus loved the little girl, he did a lot of things with her. I read the book, I don’t know when! I can’t remember all the things that happened. Dahlia’s father stole her away from the house in Butte, but they didn’t find her. They were had many people looking for her. At last, I think Marcus found her alongside a cabin. After they found Dahlia, they went into the cabin and found the father, who had raped Lilly. They found him dead, shot himself dead. I suppose he didn’t want to go to prison or get hanged. I could say that it was a partial mystery, when he killed himself. It was a very good book.Mary Read/Amazon customer and Goodreads. I can’t date the book because I read in the day and into the night to about 4 or 5 a.m. I love reading these books and can’t put the books down. Sometimes, I will start another book during the day and then early when it is still dark, I will start reading another book!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 2.5, rounded up.

For some reason, I had trouble connecting with this story. I even did some skim reading, which usually means an automatic 2-star rating. I really liked Marcus. I think my trouble was with Lily's character. It seemed the relationship could only have been based on looks and piano playing initially because otherwise there wasn't much to go on. And Lily didn't give much to go on for most of the book. Through the other stories, Lily has always been pretty enigmatic so perhaps bringing her into three dimensions was a challenge. Additionally, this story seemed overly dramatic at times, and it put me off and brought on more skim reading. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for this book at all (the old "it's me, not you" syndrome), and that is the problem? I don't know. I do plan to read on. In the series. This is one of those series where I get attached to the characters as each story unfolds, so I like "seeing" the other characters show up in succeeding stories.

[Kirsi Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean, "Old-time" Romance

This is the fourth book in Ms. Beller's Mountain Dreams Series. Like I've stated in previous reviews, you don't have to read these books in order to enjoy them, though you'll appreciate some of the supporting characters a bit more if you do read them in order.

As for this entry in the series, it was a real treat! Lilly and Marcus' story is about overcoming old wounds and finding the perfectly flawed person to complete oneself. Definitely worth a read!

[Lauren Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is getting better at fleshing out characters. The main protagonists of this story are well done. Lilly breaks your heart while Marcus fights to mend it. This one might be my favorite so far. Lots of emotions and a bit of suspense and turmoil. Nice quick, easy read. My one criticism is that the introduction of the new character was a bit ill-timed and sloppy. Still, I am excited to read book 5. I almost gave up on her after book 2, but books 3 and 4 were both very redeeming.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

If you like clean romance stories this is a good read. The characters are likable and it is easy to get involved with the storyline. There is some scriptures used and prayer but it is not overly done if that's not your thing. Ill definitely be reading more from this author

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily and her daughter, Dahlia settled in a small town and tried to stay out of the limelight. After what had happened to her, she tried not to get "close" to anyone until Marcus, the Reverand, came into the picture. She was hiding something but eventually she had to tell of her bad experience.
I really like the way Ms. Beller writes and get you involved.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful read from Ms. Beller. It was the perfect tie to bind the series together. Lilly, is my favorite character of all. I admire her protective nature and can relate to her reluctance to trust strangers. I also loved how affectionate Marcus was with Dahlia. So sweet!

[Pat Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ebook

A wonderful story of faith and love and with God's help it will all work out. A scared lonely young women meets a minister and he falls in love with her and her daughter but he must overcome her fears?

[Pat Bridges Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and the Christian base without being preachy. However, I listened to the audio and was not impressed with the reader. I almost quit a few times because it was hard to listen to. I think I would have enjoyed reading it more.

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. It was a good book. It's not as strong as I'd like it to be, but it's good.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning- violent rape(not described in detail but with lingering consequences), kidnapping

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady and the Mountain Promise

This was another wonderful story in the Mountain series. This one was about a lady named Lilly and her daughter Dahlia. Marcus was the preacher in Bute, Montana and his sister lived there ,. Marcus heard the pinafore playing during his sisters wedding.there was this beautiful woman with long black hair playing beautifully. Marcus felt like he really needed her to play for the church on Sundays, but she just disappeared. Wonderful story, I truly enjoyed it so much.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great story. I will mention the one thing I am very happy about the fact that Ms. Beiler continues each story line and they are all connected however she doesn't rewrite large sections from a previous book. I always feel when someone does that it should be up to the reader to remember or they can go back and refresh themselves without everyone needing to reread pages and pages of repeat.

Very excited to continue my through the series #5 already and I am sure I will feel like leaving friends behind when I complete the full series.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilly Arendale alone in the mining town of Butte in the Montana Territory with her one-year-old daughter. Lilly is an interesting character, along with Preacher Marcus Sullivan who's not afraid to take risks. He likes her, but she won’t have anything to do with him. That made an interesting plot. How can he win her over? The threats to Lilly intensifies. The plot increases. Marcus steps in. The danger escalates. I enjoyed this story. Tension and suspense with inspiration. Great five-star book.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Sullivan is the new preacher in town, and when he marries his sister and her fiancé, a woman plays the new piano in the church and leaves right after. When he finds Lilly Arendale, he tries to persuade her to play for church on Sundays, but she is hesitant. He discovers she has a young daughter, and lives in a run-down section of town, and a disreputable man is following her. An inspiring book about life on the frontier, faith, and trust.

[kelli Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

From the moment I started this series, I couldn't wait to find time to read. Each character was so multifaceted that I wanted to know more about their lives. Ms. Beller did an amazing job creating each character and keeping their stories real. Great Christian values that encouraged my heart to trust Him more.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus, Lilly and Dahlia

This is a sweet love story with a couple unusual twists and turns. The story is written by Misty Beller and is full of excitement and adventure. Marcus is the new minister and is quite smitten with the quiet and withdrawn Lilly and her beautiful little daughter. You will enjoy discovering how Marcus and Lilly find their happily ever after.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much drama in this story, but, I think this story is my favorite. It takes a broken woman who couldn't trust God because He allowed her to suffer greatly, and surrounds her with love and examples of strong faith, and then allows another tragedy to bring her to her own personal faith in the One True God! Beautiful!

[Ruth Schmeckpeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Misty M. Beller was a new author for me, but I’m in luck since she has written at least 46 Historical Romances!
The Lady and the Mountain Promise is a sweet story of a preacher who cares about his congregation and a young woman who has been hurt and struggles to trust men.
I’m eager to try more of her books!

[Patti Victorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, short read. The setting is in Butte, Montana a mining town. Beautiful Lily and her young 2 year old daughter live a quite secretive life there, until Marcus, the town’s preacher, takes notice of her. She and her daughter are in danger of an evil man who has tracked her to this little town. Lily learns how to trust others, and the Lord when trouble comes.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I loved the characters and the fact that they relied on God for every aspect of their lives, as we should all do. The historical research for this story really showed throughout. It added so much to this sweet tale. I listened to the audiobook and it really brought the story to life. Misty Beller is an author that never disappoints.

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

This was well-written and the characters were realistic. Lilly was a wonderful mother and her daughter was just so very precious. Marcus was a great protector for Lilly and I liked their story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting story.

I could barely put it down. It is so real to life you feel like you are right there. So much love and faith in this series you fall in love with the people in it. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

[Michelle Ferrari-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Trumps Evil

So much love, compassion and celebrations of God and His promise are woven within the walls of this series. Even in the face of evil God is worshipped and eases the worry created by evil~