What do you think?
Rate this book
Diamond of the Rockies #2
Sweet Boundless
Newly married Carina DiGratia Shephard longs to make a home for herself and her husband, Quillan, in the rugged mining town of Crystal, Colorado. Quillan, however, has turned away to confront the haunting pain of his troubled childhood. Out of her loneliness, Carina opens a restaurant, and through its success soon attains the independence and identity she has long sought. When Carina is attacked in retaliation for her kindness to the destitute families of miners, everything changes. Will Quillan exchange his bitterness for the forgiveness of God in time to save their marriage?
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
59 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Heitzmann
46 books916 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 8, 2021
5⭐️
Through a marriage of convenience to a solitary mountain man, Carina is abandoned by her new husband for months at a time left to fend for herself. She prays and yearns for her husband to find a way to accept his parentage and heal his abusive upbringing, but as his absence lingers, she becomes close friends with her husband’s mine manager.
In her effort to feel useful to the town and to keep her lonely heart occupied, she opens up a restaurant and begins to feel a sense of belonging in this small mining town.
Book 2 is a lot more centred on their marriage and on hearing and receiving God’s Grace. Super powerful faith in this one!
Through a marriage of convenience to a solitary mountain man, Carina is abandoned by her new husband for months at a time left to fend for herself. She prays and yearns for her husband to find a way to accept his parentage and heal his abusive upbringing, but as his absence lingers, she becomes close friends with her husband’s mine manager.
In her effort to feel useful to the town and to keep her lonely heart occupied, she opens up a restaurant and begins to feel a sense of belonging in this small mining town.
Book 2 is a lot more centred on their marriage and on hearing and receiving God’s Grace. Super powerful faith in this one!
May 3, 2017
I enjoyed the second book in the series. It carried on from book 1 so best to read it in order. I've read book 1 in 2015 so took me a while to remember what happened.
From all the books I've read from Kristen, this series is my favourite. The pages are filled with history and lovable characters dealing with emotional challenges which the need to overcome while facing some physical challenges as well. My heart was filled with emotion for Carina.
Carina is a spunky enjoyable strong women in times when it was a mans world. I enjoyed her spunk and compassion for people and her love for Quillan even though he made it difficult.
Quillan grew in this book. Physically he is described as a strong man. In this part of the story it was great to see him learning to be strong emotionally as well.
I loved the ending even though it happened quite fast. Looking forward to the third and final book in this series.
Recommended for fans of Christian history.
From all the books I've read from Kristen, this series is my favourite. The pages are filled with history and lovable characters dealing with emotional challenges which the need to overcome while facing some physical challenges as well. My heart was filled with emotion for Carina.
Carina is a spunky enjoyable strong women in times when it was a mans world. I enjoyed her spunk and compassion for people and her love for Quillan even though he made it difficult.
Quillan grew in this book. Physically he is described as a strong man. In this part of the story it was great to see him learning to be strong emotionally as well.
I loved the ending even though it happened quite fast. Looking forward to the third and final book in this series.
Recommended for fans of Christian history.
June 23, 2017
Each book in this series gets better and better. I absurdly love them. I love the fact that each of these characters is flawed in an utterly realistic way. That makes their journey towards healing that much more believable and gripping. The emotions in this book are so real, so perfectly portrayed. It's hard to not get caught up and unable to put the book down.
Once again, I'll say that each book is not a standalone story. While there is a plot arc - gradual build up, climax and denouement - the whole story spreads across all three books. Without one, it's incomplete.
For that reason, I highly recommend the entire series, not just this single book.
Once again, I'll say that each book is not a standalone story. While there is a plot arc - gradual build up, climax and denouement - the whole story spreads across all three books. Without one, it's incomplete.
For that reason, I highly recommend the entire series, not just this single book.
January 23, 2016
SWEET BOUNDLESS picks up where THE ROSE LEGACY left off. With the town of Crystal now free from the evil that had held it captive, Carina DeGratia Shepard takes hold of the house that had once been promised to her. Though Quillian refuses to acknowledge their marriage, Carina refuses to let him go. With grit and determination, Carina creates for herself a small restaurant, bringing her Italian charm to a bustling town. Carina continues to learn more about Quillian's past, a past that has made him the closed-off person that he is. Carina is determined to break down those walls and love Quillian like he deserves to be loved.
At times SWEET BOUNDLESS is difficult to read because of the distance between Carina and Quillian. You want so badly for them to be together it's hard to read as they continue to go their separates ways. Knowing THE TENDER VINE will pick up where SWEET BOUNDLESS left off, I'm off to read the final book in series.
At times SWEET BOUNDLESS is difficult to read because of the distance between Carina and Quillian. You want so badly for them to be together it's hard to read as they continue to go their separates ways. Knowing THE TENDER VINE will pick up where SWEET BOUNDLESS left off, I'm off to read the final book in series.
November 2, 2012
I didn't know this was the second book in the series. I wish I had read the first one before this. I loved it so much. I'd highly recommend it. I just finished reading it and already miss Carina and Quillan and Alex and Mae. The characters were so well written. I love that! Kristen Heitzman is one of my favorite authors. If I had to say anything bad about the book, I'd say that I was confused about what brought Quillan and Carina together, but then I didn't read the first book. Had I read it, there would be no question. Awesome GREAT read!
February 27, 2015
Sweet Boundless is book two of the Diamond of the Rockies series by Kristen Heitzmann. It is a delightful sequel to The Rose Legacy. Like the first book, it keeps you on your toes.
The fight for Crystal has been fought. The men in charge of trying to take over have been hanged. Beck and the Carruthers brothers are among those who died. Now Carina has no job as Beck was her boss and since the Carruthers were dead, no one was living in the house she had a deed for. She decided she would move into the house and claim it for her own. It was next door to Meg’s boarding house which made it fairly safe for her. She had married Quillan but he had left and she had no idea when he would return. Before he left, he gave her the option of dissolving the marriage. However, having been married by a priest and loving Quillan, she had no intention of doing that. She knew the full story of Quillan’s life from Rose’s journal and the murals in the chamber of the Rose Legacy mine. She knew if Quillan read the journal and read the murals, he would have a better understanding of who he was.
Meanwhile, she sets out to open a restaurant for the dinner meal. She charged more for it than Meg did so the men at Meg’s wouldn’t get their feelings hurt if they couldn’t eat there. Getting the ingredients for her Italian meals was also harder. Her meals were a success. So much so that she ended up taking reservations for the two meals she served each evening. If your name wasn’t on today’s list, she put you on the next night. It worked out for her and several of the richer men reserved special tables for each meal.
Alex Makepeace shows up looking for Quillan. He is the mining engineer Quillan has hired to take charge of the Cain Bradley mine he and Cain’s son DC own together. DC has gone to seminary and Quillan has no intention of being a miner. Alex finds out about the Rose Legacy and goes up there with Carina. He sees the murals but is more interested in the stalactites and stalagmites and the geode room than the murals. He sees bringing tourists down here into the mine for tours. They just have to figure out how to cut off the mural chamber and make it look natural.
What does Quillan have to say about the mine?
The fight for Crystal has been fought. The men in charge of trying to take over have been hanged. Beck and the Carruthers brothers are among those who died. Now Carina has no job as Beck was her boss and since the Carruthers were dead, no one was living in the house she had a deed for. She decided she would move into the house and claim it for her own. It was next door to Meg’s boarding house which made it fairly safe for her. She had married Quillan but he had left and she had no idea when he would return. Before he left, he gave her the option of dissolving the marriage. However, having been married by a priest and loving Quillan, she had no intention of doing that. She knew the full story of Quillan’s life from Rose’s journal and the murals in the chamber of the Rose Legacy mine. She knew if Quillan read the journal and read the murals, he would have a better understanding of who he was.
Meanwhile, she sets out to open a restaurant for the dinner meal. She charged more for it than Meg did so the men at Meg’s wouldn’t get their feelings hurt if they couldn’t eat there. Getting the ingredients for her Italian meals was also harder. Her meals were a success. So much so that she ended up taking reservations for the two meals she served each evening. If your name wasn’t on today’s list, she put you on the next night. It worked out for her and several of the richer men reserved special tables for each meal.
Alex Makepeace shows up looking for Quillan. He is the mining engineer Quillan has hired to take charge of the Cain Bradley mine he and Cain’s son DC own together. DC has gone to seminary and Quillan has no intention of being a miner. Alex finds out about the Rose Legacy and goes up there with Carina. He sees the murals but is more interested in the stalactites and stalagmites and the geode room than the murals. He sees bringing tourists down here into the mine for tours. They just have to figure out how to cut off the mural chamber and make it look natural.
What does Quillan have to say about the mine?
July 28, 2012
So, this is book #2 in a trilogy that I absolutely loved. I couldn't put it down and fell in love with the characters. I found myself thinking about them all the time! Carina is a hot blooded Italian and it is fun to watch her get into trouble. She is so full of fire and yet so fragile and broken at the same time. Quillans journey is a sad one in which I could never tell if I loved him or hated him...I couldn't believe the ending to this first book and rushed right out to get the second. I'd actually like to buy all three books as I definitely am going to have to read them again. It was soooo nice to read a book without all the raunchy talk and sex scenes which I'm so over. Just great story telling and compelling plot. It was a bit slow in the very beginning but then I was up all night with every book, not able to put them down! All three books are a must read!
October 16, 2016
This story is full of adventure, much like her other books! Carina become an entrepreneur and takes charge of her circumstances. The characters Emma and Mae provide beautiful friendships that Carina embraces and grows from. They are women hat provide Carina with safety, joy, warmth, security and much needed companionship and practical help. Carina's relationship with the Lord is beautiful as she learns to cling to him in circumstances that would challenge every one of us. The tension between Carina and Quillan is well written too and keeps us reading to find out what happens between them. This is a book worth owning, the entire series is! If you're looking for something to disappear into for a couple of weeks, this series is it! Enjoy!
August 2, 2017
Okay, so be forewarned - there are some more mature scenes between a husband and wife. Mercifully, it's not in detail, but you know. Besides that, this book kept me reading, no joke, ALL. DAY. (Alright, it was half the day, and by then I'd finished it.) Seriously, I could not put it down! The whole time I was so proud of Carina and how she was increasing her faith. At the same time, I was scowling at Quillan - get it together, man! You be nice and amazing and GO BACK TO CARINA. You know you love her. Yes, he did need time to mourn and stuff, but STILL. Also, I love Carina's restaurant! Anyway, I can't wait for the third book, and I really hope the story progresses in a nice direction, like, WITH QUILLAN LOVING HER BACK.
October 15, 2015
Another great piece by Heitzmann. I first got hooked on her through the Rose Legacy. The characters in this book continue to draw me in with deeper insight into their personalities. The New Boundless mine figures strongly in the storyline, as does a new engineer brought in from the East Coast by Quillan. Carina's independence serves her well as she learns to thrive on her own, but Quillan's inability to let others into his heart threatens to tear apart the best thing that has ever happened to him. The impact of the Scripture on the plot is meaningful and not stilted. Heitzmann did a great job, but left plenty of room for the last sequel.
September 21, 2014
An intriguing story in the middle of the series. I wanted to kick Quillan in the rear for his hard nosed fear, but his back story made his feelings understandable. Carina's fortitude was delightful to read. Her desire to make something worthwhile of her life with a husband gone all the time was masterful. Great read. I felt strong connection with the story and the miscommunication between the two. Why oh why do characters not talk to each other? But would we have grand stories if they did?
March 7, 2016
Awesome book. so many plot twists in this page gripping novel where faith, hope and love sweetly abound. Relationships are strained, faith is tested and the past comes head to head with the futrue. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2013
Again, I couldn't put it down. Book 1 is still my favorite so far but I can't wait to return to Crystal and see what is happening with these characters!
April 3, 2014
It seems that Kristen Heitzmann's books are always worth reading, and this was no exception. My only complaint is that the ending left me wanting so much more story!
September 18, 2015
Carina and Qullian's continuing story is riveting.
March 3, 2020
Community unrest, riots, heartbreak, and a fledgling romance on the rocks—the second addition to Heitzmann’s Diamond of the Rockies series continues the heartwarming tale of Carina DiGraitia and Quillan Shephard. Having concluded her previous novel with an impromptu marriage and a local tragedy, readers may have wondered what the future held for the Carina, Quillan, Mae, and the towns’ folk of Crystal. A bigger question on the minds of eager readers may be what happened to Rose and Wolf. If you are anything like me, the skillfully crafted story of love and redemption found in the lives of Quillan’s parents Rose and Wolf captivatingly weaves itself through the central plot of the series.
As with her previous novel in this trilogy, Kristen Heiztmann does disappoint in the least. The description is beautifully rendered and I cannot help but dream visiting the Rockies myself just to see if it is beautiful as her writing suggests. Nevertheless, it is the complex relationships between Carina, Quillan, Alex Makepeace, and the mining families of Crystal that lead to drama and suspense in the story. The intensity of Carina’s desire to prove herself a worth citizen of Crystal and establish herself in Quillan’s absence prove once again that a story centering on a female protagonist can be a beautiful demonstration of literary excellence. Carina embodies the emotions of many young women who struggle to find their purpose in a community that does not always consider the valuable role women can play. Carina’s character is encouraging, consistently growing in her faith as a believer, and seeking to build a strong relationship with her new, still complicated husband Quillan.
I loved this book just as fiercely as the Rose Legacy. In fact, by the end of this novel I felt almost a kinship to each character. Watching Quillan grow spiritually helped his character to become truly dear to my heart almost as if he were my own dear friend. There is definitely something to be said for a story that can grip the heart and warm the soul which the Sweet Boundless accomplishes perfectly.
As with the previous novel there is no profanity to speak of and sin—when mentioned—is not glorified or revered.
As with her previous novel in this trilogy, Kristen Heiztmann does disappoint in the least. The description is beautifully rendered and I cannot help but dream visiting the Rockies myself just to see if it is beautiful as her writing suggests. Nevertheless, it is the complex relationships between Carina, Quillan, Alex Makepeace, and the mining families of Crystal that lead to drama and suspense in the story. The intensity of Carina’s desire to prove herself a worth citizen of Crystal and establish herself in Quillan’s absence prove once again that a story centering on a female protagonist can be a beautiful demonstration of literary excellence. Carina embodies the emotions of many young women who struggle to find their purpose in a community that does not always consider the valuable role women can play. Carina’s character is encouraging, consistently growing in her faith as a believer, and seeking to build a strong relationship with her new, still complicated husband Quillan.
I loved this book just as fiercely as the Rose Legacy. In fact, by the end of this novel I felt almost a kinship to each character. Watching Quillan grow spiritually helped his character to become truly dear to my heart almost as if he were my own dear friend. There is definitely something to be said for a story that can grip the heart and warm the soul which the Sweet Boundless accomplishes perfectly.
As with the previous novel there is no profanity to speak of and sin—when mentioned—is not glorified or revered.
July 9, 2023
I don’t know why I got sucked in. The characters choices drove me nuts. I think the series should have just stopped with the first and we could have imagined their lives less tumultuous.
For the jerk Quillan is Carina doesn’t seem to care. I’m real life they’d be major red flags for each other. It’s the most dysfunctional relationship ever. Super drawn out and my heart ached for carina yet at the same time she’s so stupid and stubborn. Same with him. I wanted to like her because she’s Italian. But she’s all the negative Italian stereotypes. Talking with her hands, temperamental, stubborn…her only good trait is cooking. Does not make me proud to be Italian. Haha. I e already started the third though cuz I need to see it through, but man they’re annoying people.
For the jerk Quillan is Carina doesn’t seem to care. I’m real life they’d be major red flags for each other. It’s the most dysfunctional relationship ever. Super drawn out and my heart ached for carina yet at the same time she’s so stupid and stubborn. Same with him. I wanted to like her because she’s Italian. But she’s all the negative Italian stereotypes. Talking with her hands, temperamental, stubborn…her only good trait is cooking. Does not make me proud to be Italian. Haha. I e already started the third though cuz I need to see it through, but man they’re annoying people.
February 23, 2018
I loved this book, there was so many emotions in this book and they are real emotions that happen to every day people.
There is so much growth and learning and most importantly forgiveness.
There were so many times I wanted to smack Quillan but it was so awesome to see him forgive and change.
I love how Carina keeps fighting and she doesn't just sit and do nothing. My heart hurt for her so many times with the things she had to go through.
I loved the side stories of so many wonderful people and I hope to read more on Alex I really liked him.
I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens with Quillan and Carina.
There is so much growth and learning and most importantly forgiveness.
There were so many times I wanted to smack Quillan but it was so awesome to see him forgive and change.
I love how Carina keeps fighting and she doesn't just sit and do nothing. My heart hurt for her so many times with the things she had to go through.
I loved the side stories of so many wonderful people and I hope to read more on Alex I really liked him.
I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens with Quillan and Carina.
June 17, 2022
Quotes:
There was between them a belonging, a recognizing, a desire. It was God’s gift, this love she bore for him. Where had it come from? She hadn’t sought it, hadn’t even known it until they’d wed. But there it was, just as it should be.
I think God allows hardship so that in alleviating it, we might understand His mercy.
“He has accomplished your salvation. But He has not yet perfected your circumstances. Do not be confused in the two.”
For my impulsive nature I make no excuse. God did not create us all tortoises to contemplate each step. Yet if I have acted wrongly, I pray the Lord will forgive. It was my heart which dictated the deed.
There was between them a belonging, a recognizing, a desire. It was God’s gift, this love she bore for him. Where had it come from? She hadn’t sought it, hadn’t even known it until they’d wed. But there it was, just as it should be.
I think God allows hardship so that in alleviating it, we might understand His mercy.
“He has accomplished your salvation. But He has not yet perfected your circumstances. Do not be confused in the two.”
For my impulsive nature I make no excuse. God did not create us all tortoises to contemplate each step. Yet if I have acted wrongly, I pray the Lord will forgive. It was my heart which dictated the deed.
March 7, 2025
I love picking these up at the thrift stores. These Christian novels from the early 2000s. They always remind me of when I worked at lifeway. And my high school days reading these books.
I don’t know why I never picked up this author and her series before. It must’ve been that so many books in the Christian fiction world were written like this that it was so saturated.
Kristen actually writes well. It’s not so cheesy like a lot of those kinds of books from the time. It’s a fun, quick, western story. It would have made a perfect TV series in the early 2000s too. You can also jump into this story even without reading book one, which I didn’t do.
I don’t know why I never picked up this author and her series before. It must’ve been that so many books in the Christian fiction world were written like this that it was so saturated.
Kristen actually writes well. It’s not so cheesy like a lot of those kinds of books from the time. It’s a fun, quick, western story. It would have made a perfect TV series in the early 2000s too. You can also jump into this story even without reading book one, which I didn’t do.
August 11, 2021
As mentioned with my review of the first in this series, the only mar on these books is the intense and borderline inappropriate physical attraction descriptions and scenes. If you are looking for very clean Christian fiction, you will likely be uncomfortable reading this series. Aside from that, this series is astoundingly well-written. Very few authors have the storytelling skill of Kristen Heitzmann
March 23, 2024
A sweet and said story of Carina and her seemingly-unrequited love for her reluctant husband, who feels a responsibility for her, but doesn't seem to be willing to let himself love her. Can understanding his family history finally help him come to terms with where he came from and what it really means to love?
June 22, 2018
Oh how much better than the first! What a great story... now I am anxious to read the third. It's like a 1st movie that doesn't have the financial backing - then the 2nd movie comes out and you can tell they now have the money to do it right. I think Kristen finally got into her character's minds.
September 26, 2018
Another great part of the story.
My only complaint is that the three books should be one. I guess I am used to reading longer books (Thoene, Gabaldon). Now on to the rest of the story...
My only complaint is that the three books should be one. I guess I am used to reading longer books (Thoene, Gabaldon). Now on to the rest of the story...
October 19, 2022
Second of a 3-book set, Kirsten Heitzman delivers another solid read as Carina and Quillan work their way through every kind of challenge to finally find peace within themselves and with each other. Love wins, but they surely do take the hard way around the barn to find it!
March 27, 2018
One of my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITES!!! Amazing, well written, and makes me cry every time I read it! Best ever decision to read it!
June 22, 2017
Great read
Enjoyed this story and how they worked things out. Was hoping for a book 3 to see their relationship progress.
Enjoyed this story and how they worked things out. Was hoping for a book 3 to see their relationship progress.
July 13, 2017
Loved it, well done.
November 8, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was so sad, but I’m glad it had a happy ending. Looking forward to reading the reminder of Carina and Quillian’s story.
December 22, 2018
Still enjoying the story, but not as well written as the first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews