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In the Shadow of the Mountains
The triumphs and tragedies of Denver’s founding family as they carve out an empire in the American West—an epic saga from the beloved bestselling author. Bold, headstrong, and passionate, the indomitable Kirklands struggle to survive in a treacherous, hostile land. From penniless settlers to wealthy mine owners to Denver’s regal first family, together—and separately—they pursue their dazzling dreams of love and glory. Through the era of the covered wagon to the rise of the western railroad, from the gold rush years through the golden age of the American West, In the Shadow of the Mountains is the breathtaking saga of a remarkable family who endured tragedy and hardship to build a glorious mountain empire. “Bittner is one of those writers whose talent has grown over the years.” —Publishers Weekly
810 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1991
140 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
84 books621 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 19, 2017
Every time I think I know what my favorite Bittner books are I read another great one. I loved Irene, Ramon, Hank and David as much as I hated Bea, Elly and Chad. There are so many struggles in the lives of these characters but there is a beautiful love story too. You'll be wishing for a happy ending for some of the characters and praying that others will get what's coming to them. The family matriarch Bea does not have good judgement with people's character but she does have great business sense. She just thinks money and status in life are the most important things in life. Her husband, David, couldn't be more the opposite of Bea in beliefs and character. Being opposites they start with nothing and build an amazing life together and end up being two of the founding people of Denver, Colorado. Great read!
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April 26, 2016I fear never to find another book to even come close to this one
I would have given this book a hundred stars. I have never read a book that touched me as this one has. I am going to miss everyone . I do not believe there is another book out there that could top this, if so I want to try it. I loved Irene and Raymond. But once you have finished this book as I have you will realize that there were accused actually three romances going on, there was Irene and Raymond, twisted or not Chad and elly did love each other and in the end after all is said and done Kirk and be a we're one. I recommend this book to everyone, men included. I also learned a lot about history. Rosanne bitter, you did a wonderful job and I thank you. Signed tami schwarz
I would have given this book a hundred stars. I have never read a book that touched me as this one has. I am going to miss everyone . I do not believe there is another book out there that could top this, if so I want to try it. I loved Irene and Raymond. But once you have finished this book as I have you will realize that there were accused actually three romances going on, there was Irene and Raymond, twisted or not Chad and elly did love each other and in the end after all is said and done Kirk and be a we're one. I recommend this book to everyone, men included. I also learned a lot about history. Rosanne bitter, you did a wonderful job and I thank you. Signed tami schwarz
April 22, 2020
A Great Read
I liked this book, a little long but it did cover a life span of the characters. These people come alive in this book, they become your family. You cry with them, you laugh with them. I enjoyed getting to know the history of everyone, wanted to shake some sense into Elly.
I liked this book, a little long but it did cover a life span of the characters. These people come alive in this book, they become your family. You cry with them, you laugh with them. I enjoyed getting to know the history of everyone, wanted to shake some sense into Elly.
October 8, 2020
Intense family drama......
Really liked this very long novel about the gold rush in Colorado, the Kirkland family drama really had me way too tense. I don't ever remember having 3 nasty characters in one of this author's books that were so evil! The only reason I didn't give this a five-star, it did not bring me too tears, I was sad, upset, angry, but didn't need the tissues. The one series that had me sobbing, way too much in all 4 books was the Outlaw Series, a well deserved box of tissues.
Really liked this very long novel about the gold rush in Colorado, the Kirkland family drama really had me way too tense. I don't ever remember having 3 nasty characters in one of this author's books that were so evil! The only reason I didn't give this a five-star, it did not bring me too tears, I was sad, upset, angry, but didn't need the tissues. The one series that had me sobbing, way too much in all 4 books was the Outlaw Series, a well deserved box of tissues.
July 31, 2017
In the Shadow of the Mountains
An excellent book from beginning to end. The plot of the story is an extremely different one, not sure what to expect. But when it is, it is most shocking. I laughd, and sometimes cried, epecially at the end when the will was read and all family members were present.
An excellent book from beginning to end. The plot of the story is an extremely different one, not sure what to expect. But when it is, it is most shocking. I laughd, and sometimes cried, epecially at the end when the will was read and all family members were present.
November 5, 2024
A saga well worth the time to read!
This book doesn’t disappoint. The pacing is great, it’s pretty accurate historically, the characters are well developed and the intricacies of relationships are depicted realistically…all in the backdrop of the once-beautiful front range of Colorado. This would make a great miniseries!
This book doesn’t disappoint. The pacing is great, it’s pretty accurate historically, the characters are well developed and the intricacies of relationships are depicted realistically…all in the backdrop of the once-beautiful front range of Colorado. This would make a great miniseries!
October 10, 2017
Every time I read one of your books I think wow that was one of the best books I have ever read. Then I read another one and say the same thing. This book was my favorite so far. I love hove you go thru everyone whole life. I will definitely read this again in a few years.
November 29, 2017
Love this book. I feel in love with the characters. I read many books in my lifetime and this is one of my favorites. I love reading books in that era.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2018
In the Shadow of the Mountains is an absolutely wonderful book. It is too good to read only once, or twice, or more.
October 27, 2019
What a beautiful story
This is a story of survival, hatred, greed, jealousy, love, patience and sorrow. A very powerful story of a family that lives full circle.
This is a story of survival, hatred, greed, jealousy, love, patience and sorrow. A very powerful story of a family that lives full circle.
August 5, 2020
I did enjoy this book. A little long but good. Probably could’ve broken down this book and two or three series. Probably one of her better books that she has written. Love the characters.
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July 18, 2021Phenomenal!
5+/5
I read this years ago and loved it just as much this time! It's a "can't put down" book that will stay with you.
5+/5
I read this years ago and loved it just as much this time! It's a "can't put down" book that will stay with you.
November 21, 2021
Loved it all
A great story by a great storyteller! I am buying 2 more books to give as Christmas presents to my family.
A great story by a great storyteller! I am buying 2 more books to give as Christmas presents to my family.
October 20, 2024
a good story of early Denver
Ms. Bitter shows her love of the area and what Denver was and is. A rather long, but enjoyable read.
Ms. Bitter shows her love of the area and what Denver was and is. A rather long, but enjoyable read.
October 4, 2025
Wonderful book .
It was so knowledgeable and yet sad . Couldn't stop reading and enjoyed it , wish there was more. Highly recommend.
It was so knowledgeable and yet sad . Couldn't stop reading and enjoyed it , wish there was more. Highly recommend.
July 8, 2016
Another win from Bittner! After a couple of works that I dropped for various reasons, this book illustrated why I’d fallen in love with her stuff in the first place. She seems to be one of these authors that either writes gold or very mediocre stuff. Like the peaks of Colorado, this one was gold!
The epic family drama and the emergence of Denver as a prominent Western metropolis kept me spell bound. Much along the lines of Outlaw Hearts and Wildest Dreams, this book follows two individuals through very trying circumstances and follows their family build up through to the beginning of the modern age. Each generation builds upon the accomplishments of the past to create the next leg in the saga.
Historical romances are not the usual scene for these type of family dramas; in fact, Bittner is the only one I can think of that incorporates it. I feel it adds so much to a romance as we get to see the fruits of labors and the consequences of decisions in such a grand scale, over decades rather than just a few months or years. The actions of each generation impacts the next, and I loved that.
Surviving fire, flood, crime, war, and riot, Denver rose to become one of the jewels of the West, the Queen City as it was called. The vast history of the West was also explored in gold-rush California and arid New Mexico. I was especially intrigued with the history in this book as I’m going to be able to visit several of the spots discussed on a road trip this fall; so I got all the more excited, reading about them and learning some of their back story. Bittner excelled in this book aspect.
Her characters and romance also shined. Every character felt real to me. Even the nasty personalities like Elly and Chad, I was able to see why they acted the way they did, their motivations and inspirations. There is more than one romantic pairing in this book, giving us a more rounded picture of romance as well. As loyal business partners or passionate lovers or healing friends, seeing the different types and levels of romance made for a more well-rounded romantic tale.
For most of the book, our main pairing wasn’t together, which in another historical romance might have killed the book. Yet, the strength of their love and the trials they go through to ultimately find themselves together keep it in the forefront of the story. Even though they marry others and face tragedy separately, I felt their chemistry together even so.
Even though there were a few flaws here or there, they pale in comparison to the work as a whole. The vibrant history, characters, and romance all make for a gripping historical romance read. This is a solid five in my book; works like this are the reason I love and adore Bittner. I’ll be looking out for more!
The epic family drama and the emergence of Denver as a prominent Western metropolis kept me spell bound. Much along the lines of Outlaw Hearts and Wildest Dreams, this book follows two individuals through very trying circumstances and follows their family build up through to the beginning of the modern age. Each generation builds upon the accomplishments of the past to create the next leg in the saga.
Historical romances are not the usual scene for these type of family dramas; in fact, Bittner is the only one I can think of that incorporates it. I feel it adds so much to a romance as we get to see the fruits of labors and the consequences of decisions in such a grand scale, over decades rather than just a few months or years. The actions of each generation impacts the next, and I loved that.
Surviving fire, flood, crime, war, and riot, Denver rose to become one of the jewels of the West, the Queen City as it was called. The vast history of the West was also explored in gold-rush California and arid New Mexico. I was especially intrigued with the history in this book as I’m going to be able to visit several of the spots discussed on a road trip this fall; so I got all the more excited, reading about them and learning some of their back story. Bittner excelled in this book aspect.
Her characters and romance also shined. Every character felt real to me. Even the nasty personalities like Elly and Chad, I was able to see why they acted the way they did, their motivations and inspirations. There is more than one romantic pairing in this book, giving us a more rounded picture of romance as well. As loyal business partners or passionate lovers or healing friends, seeing the different types and levels of romance made for a more well-rounded romantic tale.
For most of the book, our main pairing wasn’t together, which in another historical romance might have killed the book. Yet, the strength of their love and the trials they go through to ultimately find themselves together keep it in the forefront of the story. Even though they marry others and face tragedy separately, I felt their chemistry together even so.
Even though there were a few flaws here or there, they pale in comparison to the work as a whole. The vibrant history, characters, and romance all make for a gripping historical romance read. This is a solid five in my book; works like this are the reason I love and adore Bittner. I’ll be looking out for more!
April 26, 2016
Rosanne Bittner's Saga, In The Shadow Of The Mountains, is eloquently written, very compelling. Bea and David Kirkland's rise from poverty to wealth and becoming a huge part of developing the Queen City of the West, Denver, CO., all from secretly loving and raising a little Cheyenne Indian girl, Morning Dove, also known as Irene, who never knew her true identity or that she was also a twin. This book will Leave you enthralled. This is a book of secrets, deception, revenge, and family. It's a must read that will forever hold your heart. Rosanne Bittner is the Queen of Historical Romance and this saga proves why she continues to be our own Queen.
March 21, 2016
Amazing story
I have read so many of Rosannes books that I can't count them. Her books just take you into them and make you feel like you are living within them. Wow this was such a beautiful and trying story of love, hate and living a dream. It's amazing what money can do to some. So happy for Irene and Ramon!
I have read so many of Rosannes books that I can't count them. Her books just take you into them and make you feel like you are living within them. Wow this was such a beautiful and trying story of love, hate and living a dream. It's amazing what money can do to some. So happy for Irene and Ramon!
March 2, 2017
Rosanne Bittner provided us yet again with a beautiful epic story surrounding a family and the changing times of the American West. She provides all the feels from sweet to heartbreak, from fear to joy. I enjoyed watching the Kirklands grow and find their love and peace.
April 15, 2012
Another masterpiece!
February 28, 2015
This book told one hell of a story.... worth a read.
March 5, 2016
Awesome
This book was a true treasure to read. What a wonderful book of history , but still be a great fiction book. Loved it!!!##
This book was a true treasure to read. What a wonderful book of history , but still be a great fiction book. Loved it!!!##
April 16, 2016
Great Reading
Glad I tried this author. I will certainly read more of her books
I liked all of the book every line.
Glad I tried this author. I will certainly read more of her books
I liked all of the book every line.
March 11, 2019
One of the books i can't seem to ever forget, tragic in a lot of ways but still very touching and inspiring. I read this book about seven or eight years back but it feels just like yesterday
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews