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Amish of Big Sky Country #1
Mountains of Grace
In the first of a new series set in the Amish communities of Montana, bestselling author Kelly Irvin explores what the Amish do in the aftermath of natural disaster.
Schoolteacher Mercy Yoder loves her life in the beautiful West Kootenai region of Montana. But when a wildfire blazes outside her beloved community, she and her family are forced to evacuate and flee to the small town of Eureka.
John Hostetler, Mercy’s beau, sorts through the damage left by the fire, helping Mercy set up a makeshift school to continue her passion. Eureka is filled with fire personnel, media, and rubberneckers—more contact with the outside world than Mercy has ever experienced. A chance encounter with a smoke jumper, Travis Cooper, leads to longer conversations about her Amish beliefs and life.
As word arrives that their home was one of the houses destroyed in the fire, Mercy struggles to accept that everything they owned is gone. A life’s worth of memories. She hides her bitterness from her father, who accepts such events as God’s will. How can it be God’s will that they would start over with nothing? John’s decision to return to Kansas pours kerosene on her doubts. Her heart is doubly broken.
While John is away, Travis continues to seek Mercy’s company. His observations force her to look at her life from a different perspective. But is it the right perspective?
When all seems lost, including her way, Mary finds unexpected beauty and love springing from the ashes of all that she’s known.
Schoolteacher Mercy Yoder loves her life in the beautiful West Kootenai region of Montana. But when a wildfire blazes outside her beloved community, she and her family are forced to evacuate and flee to the small town of Eureka.
John Hostetler, Mercy’s beau, sorts through the damage left by the fire, helping Mercy set up a makeshift school to continue her passion. Eureka is filled with fire personnel, media, and rubberneckers—more contact with the outside world than Mercy has ever experienced. A chance encounter with a smoke jumper, Travis Cooper, leads to longer conversations about her Amish beliefs and life.
As word arrives that their home was one of the houses destroyed in the fire, Mercy struggles to accept that everything they owned is gone. A life’s worth of memories. She hides her bitterness from her father, who accepts such events as God’s will. How can it be God’s will that they would start over with nothing? John’s decision to return to Kansas pours kerosene on her doubts. Her heart is doubly broken.
While John is away, Travis continues to seek Mercy’s company. His observations force her to look at her life from a different perspective. But is it the right perspective?
When all seems lost, including her way, Mary finds unexpected beauty and love springing from the ashes of all that she’s known.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2019
41 people are currently reading
1173 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Irvin
74 books830 followersBest-selling author Kelly Irvin splits her writing time between Amish romances and romantic suspense. Her latest release is Trust Me (2/8/22), a romantic suspense novel set in San Antonio's historic art district. It explores broken trust and whether trust can ever be restored. Publishers Weekly called it a "whirlwind romantic thriller" and "an emotional rollercoaster."
Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."
The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."
Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.
Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.
Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..
The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.
She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.
Her latest Amish romance is Love's Dwelling, the first book in the Amish Blessings series, which released in July 2021. The series takes place in Yoder and Haven, Kansas, and looks at adoption among the Amish. The series follows her Amish romance series, Amish of Sky Country includes Mountains of Grace, followed by The Long Bridge Home, and Peace in the Valley. The series explores Amish communities in northwest Montana and how they are impacted by wildfires.
Other romantic suspense novels include Her Every Move, which Publishers Weekly called gripping suspense and said, "loving descriptions of San Antonio’s attractions enhance the well-paced plot."
The publication called Closer Than She Knows a "brisk, smoothly written, thriller."
Kelly's Every Amish Season series includes Upon A Spring Breeze, Beneath the Summer Sun, Through the Autumn Air, and With Winter's First Frost from Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing. This follows the Amish of Bee County series, The Saddle Maker's Son, released in June 2016. It is an ECPA bestseller. It follows The Bishop's Son, and the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Beekeeper's Son, which earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer called it "a beautifully woven masterpiece." The Beekeeper's Son was a finalist in the romance category of the 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest.
Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Amish Amish series. The first series includes To Love and To Cherish, A Heart Made New, and Love’s Journey Home, published by Harvest House. The New Hope Amish series includes Love Still Stands, followed by Love Redeemed, which was an ACFW Carol Award finalist, and A Plain Love Song.
Kelly has also penned two other romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine..
The Kansas native is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW's San Antonio local chapter Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers.
A graduate of the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism, Kelly has been writing nonfiction professionally for thirty years. She studied for three semesters at the University of Costa Rica, learning the Spanish language. As a journalist, she worked six years in the border towns of Laredo and El Paso.
She worked in public relations for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for 22 years before retiring earlier this year. Kelly has been married to photographer Tim Irvin for twenty-eight years. They have two young adult children and have three grandchildren. In her spare time, she likes to write short stories, read books by her favorite authors, and looks forward to visits with her grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 15, 2019
Kelly Irvin writes a good solid story and this one will keep you entertained from cover to cover.
This is the first in the Amish of Big Sky Country series.
Taking place in the Amish communities of Montana with the author's vivid descriptions you can clearly envision the vast wilderness.
Now I've never been to Montana but such a beautiful place it sounds to be.
Along with this wilderness comes dangers in the form of wildfires .
There are many characters in the book and I'll admit I did have trouble keeping them all straight. There is a chart in the front of the book to help with this and I did find it became easier to piece it all together the more I read.
Forced evacuation from your home because of a fire is something no one wants but how do the Amish men act ? Stubborn as us Englishers they are, they don't want to leave their property either there's still more to do, to save.
The Amish and the Englishers come to realize what their priorities are as they face tough subjects head on. The Englishers and Amish rally around each other as they start to rebuild.
A heartwarming conclusion I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Published August 6th 2019 by Zondervan.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the first in the Amish of Big Sky Country series.
Taking place in the Amish communities of Montana with the author's vivid descriptions you can clearly envision the vast wilderness.
Now I've never been to Montana but such a beautiful place it sounds to be.
Along with this wilderness comes dangers in the form of wildfires .
There are many characters in the book and I'll admit I did have trouble keeping them all straight. There is a chart in the front of the book to help with this and I did find it became easier to piece it all together the more I read.
Forced evacuation from your home because of a fire is something no one wants but how do the Amish men act ? Stubborn as us Englishers they are, they don't want to leave their property either there's still more to do, to save.
The Amish and the Englishers come to realize what their priorities are as they face tough subjects head on. The Englishers and Amish rally around each other as they start to rebuild.
A heartwarming conclusion I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Published August 6th 2019 by Zondervan.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2019
Wildfires rip through the mountains of Northwest Montana causing devastating results. Uprooted from their homes after an emergency evacuation, the Amish community of West Kootenai is scattered, bringing new neighbors and challenges.
Family, friendship, and faith are at the center of this well-written multi-layered story. An interesting mix of people dealing with past as well as present traumas set a stage for showing the healing that faith and resulting forgiveness can bring. The author does a thorough job describing the grief and loss they all must have felt. There was a lot of pain and confusion on the inside, especially in Juliette's and Spencer's lives. On the surface, the fire brought destruction, but the end results in the characters' lives was ultimately to make them stronger.
Pastor Matt was a great side character, as a disabled vet who ministers to others. I was rooting for the wounded, lovelorn Caleb; he was such a good guy underneath his stoic facade. Learning to communicate better, especially with those we love, is something most of us need to work on too.
The threat of wildfires is a reality in the Northwest, especially after living the past few summers here with smoke filled air. It was easy to imagine the scary evacuation with a fire destroying everything in its path! A recent visit to Glacier National Park and the area nearby made this story even more special to read. I could see the beautiful mountains and lakes in my mind as I read.
Recommend for readers who like a character driven story with faith and romance. 4.5 stars
(I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Family, friendship, and faith are at the center of this well-written multi-layered story. An interesting mix of people dealing with past as well as present traumas set a stage for showing the healing that faith and resulting forgiveness can bring. The author does a thorough job describing the grief and loss they all must have felt. There was a lot of pain and confusion on the inside, especially in Juliette's and Spencer's lives. On the surface, the fire brought destruction, but the end results in the characters' lives was ultimately to make them stronger.
Pastor Matt was a great side character, as a disabled vet who ministers to others. I was rooting for the wounded, lovelorn Caleb; he was such a good guy underneath his stoic facade. Learning to communicate better, especially with those we love, is something most of us need to work on too.
The threat of wildfires is a reality in the Northwest, especially after living the past few summers here with smoke filled air. It was easy to imagine the scary evacuation with a fire destroying everything in its path! A recent visit to Glacier National Park and the area nearby made this story even more special to read. I could see the beautiful mountains and lakes in my mind as I read.
Recommend for readers who like a character driven story with faith and romance. 4.5 stars
(I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
July 11, 2019
Wow! Mountains of Grace is powerful!
Kelly Irvin got deeply involved in her characters. She gave readers the characters' deepest thoughts and emotions in words of different situations that each character faced throughout the book. I like that about Kelly. She makes her characters come to life and gets readers to connect with the characters and their situation or situations.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I just wish it wasn't so many months away for it's release.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review in my own words. This is my review in my own words.
Kelly Irvin got deeply involved in her characters. She gave readers the characters' deepest thoughts and emotions in words of different situations that each character faced throughout the book. I like that about Kelly. She makes her characters come to life and gets readers to connect with the characters and their situation or situations.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I just wish it wasn't so many months away for it's release.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review in my own words. This is my review in my own words.
August 11, 2019
Mountains of Grace is the first novel in Amish of Big Sky Country series. The story is set in West Kootenai area of Montana where a devastating forest fire is sweeping through the area despite the efforts of fire firefighters. It was interesting to learn about smoke jumpers and their role. There is a large cast of characters in this novel (there is a helpful list at the front of the book), and I admit that I found it difficult to keep them all straight. It did become easier the further I progressed into the book (past the halfway mark). Caleb Hostetler has been courting Mercy Yoder for eight months when he proposed which took Mercy by surprise. Spencer McDonald, a smoke jumper, had a lousy childhood with an alcoholic mother who has recently changed her ways. Spencer had been dating a bank teller, Patty until the issue of religion came between them. Juliette Knowles comes from a Christian family, but she quit attending church after a youth event in high school. She wears revealing clothing and is plain spoken. Deputy Tim Trudeau has fallen for Juliette, but he cannot be unequally yoked. Family, friendship, relationships, forgiveness and faith are the central themes of Mountains of Grace. Individuals dealing with past trauma and how it is presently affecting their lives. They all must work towards forgiveness and healing with God’s help. The individuals are going through a rough time after being evacuated and then losing their homes, belongings, and way to make a living. Mountains of Grace is an emotional novel. The characters experience grief, loss, heartache, pain, and confusion which can be felt by the reader. I like Pastor Matt from First Church of God. He was there for his parishioners (and those who were not) when they needed him. He gave good advice and encouragement along with Pepsi. One of the phrases from the story that I liked was “Make plans and watch God laugh.” While religion is prevalent, it is not in your face or over-the-top. It was beautifully incorporated into the story. I did feel that the storylines in Mountains of Grace followed an expected path. I could tell you how it would end after learning each of the main characters stories. Of course, I have read dozens of Amish novels since I discovered them over twenty years ago. I did enjoy how things played out for our characters and the ending left me smiling. Mountains of Grace is a thoughtful novel with a destructive fire, a confused Caleb, spunky Juliette, faithful Tim, wounded Spencer, and a book loving schoolteacher named Mercy.
July 11, 2019
The author gives us a story of nature when it consuming everything around this area of Montana in the form of fire, and we are there to see the devastating results.
We see all segments of society here and how they rally around those who have lost everything, and we quickly become involved in their lives.
Now we have both Amish and English sprinkled around here, and most have known each other all of their lives, and all are in the same state of loss.
We also hit some tough subjects head on, and find that God is needed and we need to hold on to Him.
I loved how things worked out here, and am glad that this is the first in this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
We see all segments of society here and how they rally around those who have lost everything, and we quickly become involved in their lives.
Now we have both Amish and English sprinkled around here, and most have known each other all of their lives, and all are in the same state of loss.
We also hit some tough subjects head on, and find that God is needed and we need to hold on to Him.
I loved how things worked out here, and am glad that this is the first in this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.
October 2, 2020
Kelly Irvin’s Mountains of Grace offers a beautiful and emotional journey into the Amish community. Readers will be captivated by a heartwarming tale of forgiveness and a finding a renewed faith in God. The story will capture the heart of those who love the Plain culture and an endearing romance. Once you open this book, you’ll be hooked until the last page.
October 11, 2019
Travesty had a way of stripping the veneer from a person until normally hidden emotion escaped through the wounds, through the sweat, through the blood that seeped out...and it is only the Mountains of Grace that can heal.
I have read my share of Amish romance novels but this is the first in the setting of Montana. A mountain community that is share by the Amish and English. It is the threat of a forest fire that brings them together and the grace that makes them a community.
Mercy Yoder finds God's purpose in teaching. She loves her scholars as she knows that she has been entrusted with their education and care. When John Hostetler purposes to her for her hand in marriage, she turns him down in place of scholars, however, there is a deeper longing that she has. John seems to lack emotion and she cannot foresee a loving relationship with him if he is unable to share his emotions with her. When the fire comes to their community, her English friend Juliette Knowles sees trouble when a fire jumper Travis Cooper takes an interest in Mercy. He sees something in her that is lacking in his own life. His family background and a past relationship that was put on hold, leaves him attracted to her. Mercy on the other hand sees a friend in need in Travis and feels God's calling on that friendship. However, her community sees trouble and she is conflicted in what she needs to do.
There are several stories of conflict going as faith is the moving factor in the main characters. Juliette is running from God but seeks comfort in Deputy Tim Trudeau. Tim a strong Christian man has fallen hard for Juliette but knows that she needs the healing of grace before he can pursue her. Each of these characters have baggage with the backdrop of a fire that threatens their lively hood and their very lives. It is in this context that grace begins to look clearer and faith is drawn from. Loved how this romance was pulled together.
A Special Thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
I have read my share of Amish romance novels but this is the first in the setting of Montana. A mountain community that is share by the Amish and English. It is the threat of a forest fire that brings them together and the grace that makes them a community.
Mercy Yoder finds God's purpose in teaching. She loves her scholars as she knows that she has been entrusted with their education and care. When John Hostetler purposes to her for her hand in marriage, she turns him down in place of scholars, however, there is a deeper longing that she has. John seems to lack emotion and she cannot foresee a loving relationship with him if he is unable to share his emotions with her. When the fire comes to their community, her English friend Juliette Knowles sees trouble when a fire jumper Travis Cooper takes an interest in Mercy. He sees something in her that is lacking in his own life. His family background and a past relationship that was put on hold, leaves him attracted to her. Mercy on the other hand sees a friend in need in Travis and feels God's calling on that friendship. However, her community sees trouble and she is conflicted in what she needs to do.
There are several stories of conflict going as faith is the moving factor in the main characters. Juliette is running from God but seeks comfort in Deputy Tim Trudeau. Tim a strong Christian man has fallen hard for Juliette but knows that she needs the healing of grace before he can pursue her. Each of these characters have baggage with the backdrop of a fire that threatens their lively hood and their very lives. It is in this context that grace begins to look clearer and faith is drawn from. Loved how this romance was pulled together.
A Special Thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 28, 2019
4 Stars: 4/5 star rating
While this book is well written, I found it a little difficult to get into it. There were a number of different storylines taking place at the same time which became confusing.
I find the Amish fascinating people and it certainly was interesting to read about how they respond to losing everything they own to a fire. They definitely rally around each other and pitch in as a community to rebuild when this similar situation occurs in the church district. I wish we English did the same thing!
I received a free digital version of this book from netgalley and Zondervan in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
While this book is well written, I found it a little difficult to get into it. There were a number of different storylines taking place at the same time which became confusing.
I find the Amish fascinating people and it certainly was interesting to read about how they respond to losing everything they own to a fire. They definitely rally around each other and pitch in as a community to rebuild when this similar situation occurs in the church district. I wish we English did the same thing!
I received a free digital version of this book from netgalley and Zondervan in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 21, 2020
Note: I am reviewing the audio version of this book.
This book was a wonderful read.
I totally loved all the characters.
IT was really great to see the way, the Amish and the Englishers were represented. That their were strong believers in both communities.
It was also wonderful that The Amish and English were friends and helped each other.
I really enjoyed the parallel stories of Tim and Juliet and Mercy and Caleb. Even spencer's story was excellent.
I found this book hard to put down.
I haven't tried Kelly Irvin's material before, but I am so glad I did.
The narration was fantastic. All the characters had their own voices. The reading was full of life and emotion.
I would highly recommend this book.
This book was a wonderful read.
I totally loved all the characters.
IT was really great to see the way, the Amish and the Englishers were represented. That their were strong believers in both communities.
It was also wonderful that The Amish and English were friends and helped each other.
I really enjoyed the parallel stories of Tim and Juliet and Mercy and Caleb. Even spencer's story was excellent.
I found this book hard to put down.
I haven't tried Kelly Irvin's material before, but I am so glad I did.
The narration was fantastic. All the characters had their own voices. The reading was full of life and emotion.
I would highly recommend this book.
July 15, 2019
If you go by the blurb, you think you're going to read a book centered around Mercy. But the reality is, this book is about so many more characters than just Mercy. I typically don't mind when there's a secondary romance in a book, but this one was just overloaded with side stories. It became confusing at times especially when they started bringing in side character's parents and siblings. Let alone the romance part of it.
And Pretty Patty??? Come on... was it necessary to refer to the poor girl by that name for the entire book? She couldn't just be called Patty?
I will say it was interesting to read how the English and Amish interact and help one another despite obvious religious differences.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
And Pretty Patty??? Come on... was it necessary to refer to the poor girl by that name for the entire book? She couldn't just be called Patty?
I will say it was interesting to read how the English and Amish interact and help one another despite obvious religious differences.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
June 8, 2020
Montana is a lovely place to visit and this book will give a glimpse of its beauty. However, Montana is known for wildfires with that being exactly what the Amish community of West Kootenai experienced in this fictional story. The Englischers and Amish both suffered loss and heartbreak. The many characters with ups and downs in their life soon realized they needed to come together. The rollercoaster emotions and actions of various characters brought a wide array of emotions. Will each character be able to see what truly was most important in life and turn to God?
I borrowed this book from a friend. No review was required but I have expressed my own opinion
I borrowed this book from a friend. No review was required but I have expressed my own opinion
September 4, 2019
I loved this book!! Great story!! Can't wait for the next book in the series to release!! Love this author's books!!
June 14, 2019
The Amish group living in Montana is facing the terrors of a wildfire, and several of the communities are evacuating, and finding refuge where they can. The fire is the over-arcing premise for several minor stories that occur within the book.
Mercy Yoder is the school teacher for her community and dearly loves her scholars. Some of her friends gather up the desks and the books and take them to the garage where she is staying so that she can still hold school for the children who can still come to school. She's very content with where she is and isn't looking for marriage or a suitor. She has turned down a proposal from Caleb because he hides his feelings. She meets an Englisch smoke jumper with a broken leg and befriends him, although her family disapproves.
Mercy has an Englisch friend who is in love with the deputy sheriff, but she has some issues to work out before he will give her a second look. The most important issue she has to work out is her relationship with God.
This book confused me at first because there was an overwhelming number of characters to get to know right off the bat. The longer I read, the better it became, but it took getting pretty far into the book. There weren't any lags in the plot, and the settings are just a bit too real for someone who lives in the Northwest and lives in the risk of wildfires coming too close. Kelly Irvin is one of my favorite Amish authors and will continue to rank up there, but this particular book is not up to par. Still a four star read.
My thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Mercy Yoder is the school teacher for her community and dearly loves her scholars. Some of her friends gather up the desks and the books and take them to the garage where she is staying so that she can still hold school for the children who can still come to school. She's very content with where she is and isn't looking for marriage or a suitor. She has turned down a proposal from Caleb because he hides his feelings. She meets an Englisch smoke jumper with a broken leg and befriends him, although her family disapproves.
Mercy has an Englisch friend who is in love with the deputy sheriff, but she has some issues to work out before he will give her a second look. The most important issue she has to work out is her relationship with God.
This book confused me at first because there was an overwhelming number of characters to get to know right off the bat. The longer I read, the better it became, but it took getting pretty far into the book. There weren't any lags in the plot, and the settings are just a bit too real for someone who lives in the Northwest and lives in the risk of wildfires coming too close. Kelly Irvin is one of my favorite Amish authors and will continue to rank up there, but this particular book is not up to par. Still a four star read.
My thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 19, 2023
Quality characterization set amidst difficult circumstances draws you in and keeps you reading. Compelling story lines about members of several families, including the Amish Yoders, intertwine against the backdrop of a severe Montana wildfire. Those involved must face the pain of their past and an uncertain future. So many issues are dealt with in this touching tale that reads like it’s ripped right from the lives of those living it. Will these experiences draw them closer to God or push them away? Even with the traumatic circumstances involved, the novel captures the reader’s heart and offers a satisfying story. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. I look forward to the rest of this new series.
August 21, 2019
Mixed feeling but worth hanging in for the themes of grace and forgiveness
I had never read Kelly Irvin’s books until about a year ago. After reading one of her Amish themed books I loved how she developed the characters and how they grew and changed through the story. That’s why I was eager to read Kelly’s newest book Mountains of Grace.
Mountains of Grace is different from the other Amish themed books that Kelly Irvin has written. This novel is set in NW Montana in a community called West Kootenai. I never knew that there were Amish communities in Montana. From Mountains of Grace I got the impression that this Amish community, though they lived separate and different lives than the English people, the community seemed to be more closely allied with their English neighbors.
I have some mixed feelings about this book. It wasn’t until about halfway through that something changed and captured my interest.
I struggled with the two main characters, Mercy, a 22-year-old single Amish school teacher, and Juliette Knowles, her English friend and neighbor. The two young women couldn’t be any different from one another. Mercy seemed quite immature especially in the scene when they were fleeing their homes because of a fast-approaching wildfire. Mercy’s response and that of her younger siblings seemed childish and didn’t demonstrate that they comprehended the seriousness of the situation. Juliette, on the other hand, seemed to be a vapid, shallow, mouthy gal who wanted attention and would flirt with any male who came nearby. I didn’t like either Mercy or Juliette.
It wasn’t until about halfway through this book I found someone I liked, Spencer, who was a smoke jumper that was injured at the beginning of the book. It was his interaction with Mercy that made me pause. Something about Spencer was honest and he took a liking to Mercy. It was interesting how their very different characters interacted with one another.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book, family, friends, and neighbors of Mercy and Juliette. I liked Tim, the man who was in love with Juliette. Why he like her I didn’t understand because Juliette was such a pill. I appreciated his integrity and his willingness to obey God’s command that he should not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. There some good examples of strong Christian faith. I loved some of the prayers offered by different characters.
I had a hard time imagining Mercy as a school teacher because of her immaturity and poor decisions that resulted in her being disciplined by the Amish elders. While it wasn’t made known, I wondered who it was that told on Mercy. What I did like about Mercy was her boldness and desire to befriend Spencer who was so different the Amish men she knew.
I liked the themes of forgiveness that were lived out by several characters, like Angie, Spencer, Tim. While it may not be easy, God does command us as believers to forgive those who have hurt and wronged us.
I never fully came to appreciate Juliette. Her character was very off-putting. I was glad that she finally disclosed what had happened to her and what caused her to turn from being a nice young lady to someone who was not so nice. I appreciated that she was a good friend to Mercy and even tried to protect her.
I’m glad I read this book to the end. It contains some good examples of forgiveness and mercy and God’s abundant mercy towards us as sinners. It also showed the importance of communicating with one another, even when it’s hard. It was almost like there were two lines of stories with the Amish and the English characters and a lot going on with multiple characters.
Would I recommend this Mountains of Grace, yes, especially if you are a Kelly Irvin fan or like Amish-themed novels. It was interesting to learn about the men that put their lives on the line to help protect life and property and put out wildfires in treacherous terrain.
I would like to thank Zondervan Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of Mountains of Grace by Kelly Irvin. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
I had never read Kelly Irvin’s books until about a year ago. After reading one of her Amish themed books I loved how she developed the characters and how they grew and changed through the story. That’s why I was eager to read Kelly’s newest book Mountains of Grace.
Mountains of Grace is different from the other Amish themed books that Kelly Irvin has written. This novel is set in NW Montana in a community called West Kootenai. I never knew that there were Amish communities in Montana. From Mountains of Grace I got the impression that this Amish community, though they lived separate and different lives than the English people, the community seemed to be more closely allied with their English neighbors.
I have some mixed feelings about this book. It wasn’t until about halfway through that something changed and captured my interest.
I struggled with the two main characters, Mercy, a 22-year-old single Amish school teacher, and Juliette Knowles, her English friend and neighbor. The two young women couldn’t be any different from one another. Mercy seemed quite immature especially in the scene when they were fleeing their homes because of a fast-approaching wildfire. Mercy’s response and that of her younger siblings seemed childish and didn’t demonstrate that they comprehended the seriousness of the situation. Juliette, on the other hand, seemed to be a vapid, shallow, mouthy gal who wanted attention and would flirt with any male who came nearby. I didn’t like either Mercy or Juliette.
It wasn’t until about halfway through this book I found someone I liked, Spencer, who was a smoke jumper that was injured at the beginning of the book. It was his interaction with Mercy that made me pause. Something about Spencer was honest and he took a liking to Mercy. It was interesting how their very different characters interacted with one another.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this book, family, friends, and neighbors of Mercy and Juliette. I liked Tim, the man who was in love with Juliette. Why he like her I didn’t understand because Juliette was such a pill. I appreciated his integrity and his willingness to obey God’s command that he should not be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. There some good examples of strong Christian faith. I loved some of the prayers offered by different characters.
I had a hard time imagining Mercy as a school teacher because of her immaturity and poor decisions that resulted in her being disciplined by the Amish elders. While it wasn’t made known, I wondered who it was that told on Mercy. What I did like about Mercy was her boldness and desire to befriend Spencer who was so different the Amish men she knew.
I liked the themes of forgiveness that were lived out by several characters, like Angie, Spencer, Tim. While it may not be easy, God does command us as believers to forgive those who have hurt and wronged us.
I never fully came to appreciate Juliette. Her character was very off-putting. I was glad that she finally disclosed what had happened to her and what caused her to turn from being a nice young lady to someone who was not so nice. I appreciated that she was a good friend to Mercy and even tried to protect her.
I’m glad I read this book to the end. It contains some good examples of forgiveness and mercy and God’s abundant mercy towards us as sinners. It also showed the importance of communicating with one another, even when it’s hard. It was almost like there were two lines of stories with the Amish and the English characters and a lot going on with multiple characters.
Would I recommend this Mountains of Grace, yes, especially if you are a Kelly Irvin fan or like Amish-themed novels. It was interesting to learn about the men that put their lives on the line to help protect life and property and put out wildfires in treacherous terrain.
I would like to thank Zondervan Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of Mountains of Grace by Kelly Irvin. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
August 7, 2019
Spencer was a smoke jumper. The team was heading to a fire near a backwards town that was almost untouched by civilization that had Amish families mixed in with English families living there. Spencer did good with nature but not so much with people. He jumped the wind changed and he broke his legs as well as some ribs. He was now unable to work for the rest of the season. Mercy was a twenty two year old teacher at the Amish school.It was recess time but the smoke was thick outside and she didn’t know if she should let the children go outside. There was already a pre-evacuation since yesterday . They had been told to be ready to leave at any time. As long as Mercy could remember it had been her job to take care of children. That’s what Plain woman did. Than Caleb came into the school house and told Mercy it was time to evacuate. Mercy told the kids go home their parents were waiting for them. Mercy and Caleb had been courting but hadn’t spoken in almost two months when she turned down his marriage proposal. Mercy thought about all the feelings she had inside her yet Caleb hadn’t touched her, not even a kiss or a hug. He was a good man but she still said no. When they got to Eureka they had a place to stay at Granma Knowles. But her father and brothers hadn’t left with them still packing things up. Mercy knew her mother was worried. So Mercy and her sister Leesa had walked to the church to see if they could find anything out. Caleb came forward and said yes her father and brothers had left when he had but it took longer to pull a wagon filled with their things. He also had their cat -Lola who actually was her moms. Than a new man on crutches came in-Spencer to see his sister and explained the wind could change and the fire could go back through the area. His eyes landed on Mercy. Spencer said he was a smoke jumper and Tim who was generally nice to everyone said he had always been crazy. Mercy spoke up without thinking sayong “ that's not very nice.”
I liked this book a lot. It showed so much of the Amish beliefs and their way of life. But it also showed how very human they can be as in Mercy’s anger at God when she knew she wasn’t supposed to be angry at God. I loved how the community came together to rebuild. I loved the belief in God and refinding him that flowed through this book. For the English as well as the Amish. I did find this dragged for me at times. But I didn’t give up on the book I had to see how everyone ended up and when I did get to the ending I was so happy and loved it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.
I liked this book a lot. It showed so much of the Amish beliefs and their way of life. But it also showed how very human they can be as in Mercy’s anger at God when she knew she wasn’t supposed to be angry at God. I loved how the community came together to rebuild. I loved the belief in God and refinding him that flowed through this book. For the English as well as the Amish. I did find this dragged for me at times. But I didn’t give up on the book I had to see how everyone ended up and when I did get to the ending I was so happy and loved it. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.
August 31, 2019
This story takes place in Montana, in the small village of West Kootenai. Mercy Yoder is a young adult, single Amish woman who still lives with her parents and teaches school. She dearly loves her job. She recently declined a marriage proposal from Caleb. She thought they were only good friends. They loved fishing together, talking about books they'd read, and spending time together. He had never kissed her, nor held her hand, so she was quite surprised when the marriage proposal came. She had no idea he felt anything like that for her. She blurted out, 'No' without thinking, hurting his feelings. He didn't give her a chance to explain. Mercy felt there should have been something more to indicate how he felt about her. He didn't even say 'I love you' when he proposed. Shouldn't he have at least kissed her? Held her hand? She has no one to question about these things, as her people do not discuss such things. She also questions God who allows people to lose their homes. Couldn't He stop these things? She dare not discuss her unbelief with anyone.
Then, there is Mercy's Englisch friend, Juliette, whom she has played with since they were little girls. Tim Trudeau is in love with Juliette. But...Juliette turned her back on God long ago, and won't tell anyone why. Tim will no longer pursue her, but instead, pray for her salvation. Tim believes what the Scriptures teach about being 'unevenly yoked.' Juliette loves Tim, but pretends she doesn't. She does her best to hide her pain and hurt, while popping antacids constantly in an effort to abate the pain in her stomach.
Then there is a horrendous wildfire that forces Mercy, her family, and community to all evacuate and seek safety elsewhere until it's safe to go back home. Mercy and her family went to Eureka, a town nearby. While there, she meets Spencer, a smoke jumper, who has been injured and has came there to recover. Mercy finds his company enjoyable. Her family and church leaders have grave concern regarding her relationship with an Englischer.
It was enjoyable to me to learn about the fire jumpers, and the work of others who battle these wildfires.
The Amish have no insurance, instead they have a fund. It's amazing how they all pull together to help one another rebuild. They are a close-knit people.
I love Kelly Irvin's writing! This one is definitely another hit for Amish fiction lovers. I was thrilled to realize it's Book 1. So...more to come! I definitely recommend this one if you, like myself, love Amish Christian fiction.
I was given a free ecopy to read by the publisher, Zondervan and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Then, there is Mercy's Englisch friend, Juliette, whom she has played with since they were little girls. Tim Trudeau is in love with Juliette. But...Juliette turned her back on God long ago, and won't tell anyone why. Tim will no longer pursue her, but instead, pray for her salvation. Tim believes what the Scriptures teach about being 'unevenly yoked.' Juliette loves Tim, but pretends she doesn't. She does her best to hide her pain and hurt, while popping antacids constantly in an effort to abate the pain in her stomach.
Then there is a horrendous wildfire that forces Mercy, her family, and community to all evacuate and seek safety elsewhere until it's safe to go back home. Mercy and her family went to Eureka, a town nearby. While there, she meets Spencer, a smoke jumper, who has been injured and has came there to recover. Mercy finds his company enjoyable. Her family and church leaders have grave concern regarding her relationship with an Englischer.
It was enjoyable to me to learn about the fire jumpers, and the work of others who battle these wildfires.
The Amish have no insurance, instead they have a fund. It's amazing how they all pull together to help one another rebuild. They are a close-knit people.
I love Kelly Irvin's writing! This one is definitely another hit for Amish fiction lovers. I was thrilled to realize it's Book 1. So...more to come! I definitely recommend this one if you, like myself, love Amish Christian fiction.
I was given a free ecopy to read by the publisher, Zondervan and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 27, 2019
This is a unique Amish story as the setting involves wildfires that happened in Montana. As both the English and the Amish have to flee their community for refuge from the fires, they come together to take care of their families and meet needs. Both Amish and English lose their homes, and although the Amish elders have concerns about the mixing together of their two cultures, they find that working together has great benefits for both. I liked the gracious way the author incorporated this aspect of community spirit into the story.
Caleb and Mercy are two of the main characters in this book, but there are quite a few others who have storylines going, too. All are interesting and I wanted to keep reading, but at one point I had to stop and try to sort out who belonged together and untangle their stories. All these storylines meet together at the end of the book, and I was glad I kept reading.
I do want to mention this about the book: One of the characters, Juliette, had suffered sexual assault in her teenage years. The author handles this part of the story in an appropriate way. The trauma that Juliette suffered is discussed in the book. I know reading about something like this, even if it’s handled in a gentle way, can be a “trigger” for some readers if they are recovering from trauma of their own. The author made sure that Juliette’s story has hope and recovery, and I think this aspect could be encouraging to all readers.
All in all, I liked this book. Kelly Irvin’s fans will not be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Caleb and Mercy are two of the main characters in this book, but there are quite a few others who have storylines going, too. All are interesting and I wanted to keep reading, but at one point I had to stop and try to sort out who belonged together and untangle their stories. All these storylines meet together at the end of the book, and I was glad I kept reading.
I do want to mention this about the book: One of the characters, Juliette, had suffered sexual assault in her teenage years. The author handles this part of the story in an appropriate way. The trauma that Juliette suffered is discussed in the book. I know reading about something like this, even if it’s handled in a gentle way, can be a “trigger” for some readers if they are recovering from trauma of their own. The author made sure that Juliette’s story has hope and recovery, and I think this aspect could be encouraging to all readers.
All in all, I liked this book. Kelly Irvin’s fans will not be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2019
The people of West Kooteni are being evacuated because of a out of control forest fire threatening their homes. Mercy is the Amish school teacher for the area . She is teaching when Caleb comes in and tells her they need to evacuate. Caleb is concerned with her taking to long get home and leave with her family and encourages her to leave with the children. Mercy and Caleb have broken up because Mercy rejected Caleb's marriage proposal.
Juliette is also being stubborn about leaving with her family. Tim a local deputy that she has been seeing is trying his best to make sure she leaves her family. He wants things to work with her but she has turned away from God and isn't willing to change that right now.
Spencer is a smoke jumper with issues of his own. He has family issues with his mom from his child hood. He gets hurt jumping and goes home to heal. What he doesn't realize it will be more than his bodily injuries.
Amish and Englisch find a way to help each other in this time. The fire has Mercy and Juliette's families without homes. All the community is there to help each other regardless of religious back grounds. Each person will find their way to heal and have happiness.
I enjoyed the stories behind each characters way of faith and each one finding their way back to each other and God.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
Juliette is also being stubborn about leaving with her family. Tim a local deputy that she has been seeing is trying his best to make sure she leaves her family. He wants things to work with her but she has turned away from God and isn't willing to change that right now.
Spencer is a smoke jumper with issues of his own. He has family issues with his mom from his child hood. He gets hurt jumping and goes home to heal. What he doesn't realize it will be more than his bodily injuries.
Amish and Englisch find a way to help each other in this time. The fire has Mercy and Juliette's families without homes. All the community is there to help each other regardless of religious back grounds. Each person will find their way to heal and have happiness.
I enjoyed the stories behind each characters way of faith and each one finding their way back to each other and God.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
July 15, 2019
Kelly Irvin's Mountains of Grace is a wonderful book! It made me smile and cry and laugh and hope! I loved the characters and how real they felt as I was reading. I truly enjoyed this story and can't wait for more! The story follows people from West Kootenai, in Montana, a small community that is ravaged by wildfires. There is Mercy, a young Amish teacher who lives with her family. They lose their home in the blaze and she battles confusion and hurt, while also trying to work out her feelings for Caleb. Caleb is a young Amish man with a past that continues to hurt him and keep him from living his life to the fullest. A life that he wants to include Mercy. Juliette and Tim are a young English couple who live in the area. Tim is a policeman who puts his life on the line to help his neighbors and Juliette is fighting against demons that she can't beat on her own. Finally, there is Spencer. He is a smoke jumper who fights fires but was injured. His injuries may give him time to heal though, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. I love how each person had their story told. Irvin didn't focus on one or two with the others in the background. My heart hurt for each of them and when they were happy, so was I. An excellent book!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own!
August 27, 2019
Mountains of Grace is a very powerful story written by Kelly Irvin in her Amish of Big Sky Country series. This story is full of intense drama as a huge fire engulfs the small town of West Kootenai. The descriptions of this fast moving fire made me want to run from it. There is also the underlying story of Juliette and the mystery as to why her life has changed drastically. There are life lessons to be learned from this outstanding story through the well developed characters.
When this devastating fire threatens all that Mercy Yoder has ever known she is searching for what is truly important in her life. She starts considering her place in life. Her journey is filled with many interesting events and experiences.
As she tries to help her family and friends others opinions of her are tested. This is a very fast moving story and definitely keep readers on the edge as they navigate through it.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Kelly Irvin for writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
When this devastating fire threatens all that Mercy Yoder has ever known she is searching for what is truly important in her life. She starts considering her place in life. Her journey is filled with many interesting events and experiences.
As she tries to help her family and friends others opinions of her are tested. This is a very fast moving story and definitely keep readers on the edge as they navigate through it.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Kelly Irvin for writing another fantastic story for her readers enjoyment.
October 19, 2019
The West Kootenai region of Montana suffers a destructive fire season. Many of the Amish and English residents lose their homes and are pushed to the town of Eureka for a couple of months. Amish teacher, Mercy Yoder, questions her role and her feelings for Amish man Caleb. Mercy turned down Caleb's proposal, but he continues to try and win her heart. Mercy, though, finds Caleb distant and doesn't want to have a loveless marriage. A new friendship with Englisher and smoke jumper Spencer finds Mercy in trouble with the Amish leaders.
Another main character is Juliette Knowles, a long-time friend and neighbor to Mercy. Juliette was assaulted at summer camp as a teen and it turned her outlook inside out. She has a friend and fan in Tim, who Juliette pursues and Tim, a Christian trying to remain true to God's rules, turns down her advances. He is trying to remember that Juliette's salvation is more important that his feelings for her.
There are LOTS of characters in this story which is something that sometimes happens in a new series. It can be confusing as you follow 5 young adults, their parents, a couple other friends and counselors. Whew.
Thanks to Zondervan for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.
Another main character is Juliette Knowles, a long-time friend and neighbor to Mercy. Juliette was assaulted at summer camp as a teen and it turned her outlook inside out. She has a friend and fan in Tim, who Juliette pursues and Tim, a Christian trying to remain true to God's rules, turns down her advances. He is trying to remember that Juliette's salvation is more important that his feelings for her.
There are LOTS of characters in this story which is something that sometimes happens in a new series. It can be confusing as you follow 5 young adults, their parents, a couple other friends and counselors. Whew.
Thanks to Zondervan for providing me an ARC for a review in my own words.
September 29, 2019
I really enjoyed reading Mountains of Grace by Kelly Irvin. This is the first book in the Amish of Big Sky Country.
Mercy Yoder enjoys teaching at her local Amish school in West Kootenai, Montana. All that changes in a blink of an eye as a wildfire destroys their Amish and surrounding communities. Her heart is also devastated when she turns down a proposal from her beau, Caleb. She loves him, but she does not know if he loves her. He has never shown any affection or even said he loved her. While evacuating, Mercy meets an intriguing English smoke jumper, Spencer McDonald. You will definitely want to read the rest of this story to find out more about Mercy and this resilient Amish community.
Kelly Irvin really brings the characters to life. You will feel like you are right there with them in the mountains of Montana. Prior to reading this book, I did not realize there was an Amish community in Montana. Well researched, this makes for a fascinating read! This story resonates the words, beauty from ashes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
Mercy Yoder enjoys teaching at her local Amish school in West Kootenai, Montana. All that changes in a blink of an eye as a wildfire destroys their Amish and surrounding communities. Her heart is also devastated when she turns down a proposal from her beau, Caleb. She loves him, but she does not know if he loves her. He has never shown any affection or even said he loved her. While evacuating, Mercy meets an intriguing English smoke jumper, Spencer McDonald. You will definitely want to read the rest of this story to find out more about Mercy and this resilient Amish community.
Kelly Irvin really brings the characters to life. You will feel like you are right there with them in the mountains of Montana. Prior to reading this book, I did not realize there was an Amish community in Montana. Well researched, this makes for a fascinating read! This story resonates the words, beauty from ashes.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.
November 29, 2020
When a wildfire creeps closer to Montana's northern mountain area of West Kootenai, Mercy and her students are evacuated down the mountain to the town of Eureka. Even with a faith in God, when your family and community is evacuated there is such a strong desire to stay and fight for your land. How do you really just leave... and head to safety?
Spencer McDonald is a smoke jumper who knew that there were "too many" variables, nothing could be taken for granted and in every moment "nothing" would be in his control. It is in one of those moments that a "sickening thud" will alter how he would be fighting this fire jump.
There are so many interesting characters with a variety of personalities and faithfulness: Deputy Tim and Juliette; Caleb and his focus on Mercy; Marnie and Angie as they try to mend their family's past mistakes; and of course many relatives and the wisest of parents. The fire, the evacuation, the reality of restarts all lead to an inspirational journey. There is a high standard for the written word whenever Kelly Irvin begins a heart-filled journey!
MrsK, https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
Spencer McDonald is a smoke jumper who knew that there were "too many" variables, nothing could be taken for granted and in every moment "nothing" would be in his control. It is in one of those moments that a "sickening thud" will alter how he would be fighting this fire jump.
There are so many interesting characters with a variety of personalities and faithfulness: Deputy Tim and Juliette; Caleb and his focus on Mercy; Marnie and Angie as they try to mend their family's past mistakes; and of course many relatives and the wisest of parents. The fire, the evacuation, the reality of restarts all lead to an inspirational journey. There is a high standard for the written word whenever Kelly Irvin begins a heart-filled journey!
MrsK, https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
September 19, 2019
Mountains of Grace is a great start to a new series. Kelly Irvin draws you into the story on the very first page. At the end of each chapter, you will find yourself wanting to read just one more page.
Mercy Yoder is the teacher in her small community of West Kootenai in Montana. She loves her job and her students. She is not especially anxious to get married and even turned down Caleb's proposal. She wants a man who can openly express his feelings--or at least admit it if he loves her.
When a wildfire spreads throughout the area, Mercy and her loved ones must evacuate. She and her family flee to nearby Eureka. It is here that she meets some interesting Englischers, especially smoke jumper, Spencer McDonald.
Kelly Irvin masterfully meshes facts with her fiction and weaves threads of Amish and Englisch stories together. Her novels are always expertly crafted and tug at your heart. Mountains of Grace is certainly no exception. You will burn the midnight oil to find out what happens to the wonderful array of characters and to discover who will win Mercy's heart!
Mercy Yoder is the teacher in her small community of West Kootenai in Montana. She loves her job and her students. She is not especially anxious to get married and even turned down Caleb's proposal. She wants a man who can openly express his feelings--or at least admit it if he loves her.
When a wildfire spreads throughout the area, Mercy and her loved ones must evacuate. She and her family flee to nearby Eureka. It is here that she meets some interesting Englischers, especially smoke jumper, Spencer McDonald.
Kelly Irvin masterfully meshes facts with her fiction and weaves threads of Amish and Englisch stories together. Her novels are always expertly crafted and tug at your heart. Mountains of Grace is certainly no exception. You will burn the midnight oil to find out what happens to the wonderful array of characters and to discover who will win Mercy's heart!
July 22, 2019
Taking the background from today's unfortunate events, this story is based on the devastation of wild fires in Montana. The fires are hot, fast, and uncontrolled. They wipe almost everything in their path, but leave a few things untouched, much to the confusion of the people affected. This is where Mercy lives and now must evacuate because the fire is coming faster than was anticipated.....Calab, her former beau, comes to get her out safely and AGAIN is the knight in shining Amish armor!! BUT, she still can't allow herself to accept his proposal of marriage....she doesn't see him as caring for her as he should, after all, he has never kissed her or told her he loved her....it just won't work. Or, will it?? Kelly Irvin takes this couple and the people and world around them into the fire and like the phoenix, raises them from the ashes. Good book and an interesting look into the attempted assimilation of two cultures.
August 10, 2019
An amazing story !
I think that this book was just the change of pace I needed. Such a refreshing story line and some great characters that wouldn't let me put the book down. Mercy and Caleb really have to learn the concept of communication, they learn that even when you are unsure of what reaction you might get you have to talk. They are a great example of everyday couples. We also see glimpses into how a communities deals with massive fires, I love Kelly Irvin's descriptions of emotions here through all the different characters. This book can be read as a stand alone, however, I think that there will be more books in this series (Or at least I hope so !). I can not wait to read what comes after this one.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I think that this book was just the change of pace I needed. Such a refreshing story line and some great characters that wouldn't let me put the book down. Mercy and Caleb really have to learn the concept of communication, they learn that even when you are unsure of what reaction you might get you have to talk. They are a great example of everyday couples. We also see glimpses into how a communities deals with massive fires, I love Kelly Irvin's descriptions of emotions here through all the different characters. This book can be read as a stand alone, however, I think that there will be more books in this series (Or at least I hope so !). I can not wait to read what comes after this one.
I volunteered to read this book from Zondervan Fiction in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
October 21, 2019
" Mountains of Grace" by Kelly Irvin is an Amish fiction story. Mercy Yoder lives in the mountains of Montana. She has to follow the strict rules of her Amish Community. She ends up having to decide if she will follow the Amish boyfriend or follow the Englisher who lives in Eureka . Mercy has a kind and caring heart. She wants to go out of her way for those near to her. She often extends herself in a way that hurts her in the end. What will happen to the people when the fires hit them in a strong way and hurt their safety? This book compares the challenges of the Amish life vs. the English life. I was given this book by the publisher , netgalley to read and review. I am not obligated to give a positive review. I hope the book is very successful.
March 24, 2020
I was very surprised to find a cuss word in this story. I wasn't really into the story but kept going back to it, hoping to get caught up in it - but it never happened. Things just didn't make sense to me. The Amish couple broke up because he wasn't showing any affection to his girl, and he has no idea why she left because she didn't tell him where he was lacking! Then there is the Englisher "couple" who isn't really a couple because she stopped believing and he still believes and he actually did the right thing by not going with her to her new job. Then there is the smoke jumper who occasionally makes and appearance and intrigues the Amish girl - but his part is very spotty and didn't make sense other than the author needed some kind of lure for the girl so she threw this guy in there - I don't know.
Not a clean read.
Not a clean read.
July 12, 2019
What happens when a community of Amish and English must evacuate their homes due to a forest fire in the surrounding mountains? Horrifying realities of losing homes, crops, hopes and dreams create an exciting book.
The two cultures normally separate themselves, but the evacuation to a nearby English community, brings them together as family, faith, friendship and love play a big part of this book. Personalities, re-establishing of homes, and new beginnings make this a wonderful, fast read that you can’t put down until you have finished it.
I highly recommend this book to those who love Amish books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The two cultures normally separate themselves, but the evacuation to a nearby English community, brings them together as family, faith, friendship and love play a big part of this book. Personalities, re-establishing of homes, and new beginnings make this a wonderful, fast read that you can’t put down until you have finished it.
I highly recommend this book to those who love Amish books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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