Ingrid Chastain readily agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory. She never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. When rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, she's hesitant to put her trust in this quiet man who seems to have his own wounds.
Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor after unintentionally bringing home the smallpox disease that killed his wife and daughter. But his self-imposed solitude in the wilds of Montana is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to face his regret and call on his doctoring skills once again.
Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacious determination despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on trekking through the mountains to deliver the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get a free bestselling novel here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
"You're going to have to handle this one, too, Lord." But in truth, didn't God handle every step? Every breath. Every moment they lived.
I've always been a fan of frontier stories starting with the Little House on the Prairie books I read as a child. This is my first, Misty Beller book and I have now found a new favorite author, wow! I loved so much about this book. The daughter of a traveling doctor is left an orphan in life after her father's accidental death. She traveled with him after her mother's death and they were the world to each other. The tragedy that causes his death leaves her with a broken femur and unfortunately I can relate since my son broke his a week ago. Ingrid is one strong woman, her faith is so strong despite all she has going against her. Her mission is to get vaccines her father was set on delivering to a remote village that needs them so more deaths don't occur despite her painful injury. Now Micah he has a backstory,sadness and bitter because of the loss of his wife and child he stops practicing medicine since he couldn't save them. Micah is this handsome,work driven, outdoors mountain man but yet he's not afraid to let his tender side show around Ingrid. This perilous journey was literally life or death depending upon the choices they made and the mistakes they may have made. The elements and wilderness were against them, Who was for they you may say? When Micah's spirits lagged with worry and responsibility Ingrid was the one faithfully strong. She had her faith they would survive this dangerous journey. Micah's and Ingrid's romance was a slow burn and it didn't consume the story which I liked to see. There was a romance but the story wasn't bogged down with it. Micah's maturity in his faith walk was so encouraging. Ingrid's strong beliefs in her faith reawakens Micah's dormant faith and he starts he heal from his deep grief through Ingrid's ministrations. I really need to read the REST of this author's books right now! Published October 1st 2019 by Bethany House Publishers. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Whenever I pick up a book by this author I know I'm in for a harrowing wilderness adventure! I grew up camping and backpacking with my family so I savor the epic feeling of being in the mountains, the sense of majesty but also isolation. It helps that I'm not the one going through the trials the characters are though! In this story it seems like a matter of what else could go wrong, but having read several of her other books, there are many other dangers that they didn't face, so it didn't feel like overkill. A fine balance is struck between character development, historical details, inner conflict, external obstacles, sweet romance, and spiritual growth- all throughout the course of the book. The characters feel like real people that come to life and I imagine that they authentically represent the pioneers, explorers, and mountain men and women of the era. Grit, determination, and faith see Micah and Joanna through the heartbreak and grief they endure as they traverse the rugged land, sacrificing to bring relief to the settlers who are suffering.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Much like its untamed mountain setting, this story's plot possesses a grand majesty, an intersection of beauty, purpose, tragedy, and hope which is both inspiring and captivating. The strength of faith and peace of hope are woven into every fiber of Hope's Highest Mountain.
In a journey from comfortable familiarity to the verge of complete disaster, Ingrid and Micah repeatedly face seemingly insurmountable odds from all sides including their own individual battles that threaten to overwhelm them from within. The tangible ache of grief tugs at heartstrings and the soothing balm of hope is a warm glow that leaps from the pages of the story and settles into the spirit.
I highly recommend this incredible reading experience to all fans of the wilderness and our journey to and through it. Beller's masterful storytelling reaches readers at a special level below the surface where intellect, emotion, and spirit collide in a grace-filled dance for the ages.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Ingrid Chastain is on an excruciating quest to get vaccines to remote areas of the vast Montana Territories where people are suffering a major outbreak of smallpox. Being the only survivor from a wagon crash she still tries to get the vaccines delivered. Only trouble is she has broken the femur bone in addition to a couple of ribs, so she can’t really move.
For five years Dr Micah Bradley has lived in the outback trying to deal with grief after the loss of his wife and daughter to smallpox. He blames himself that he was unable to use his skills to save them. Following their deaths he stopped doctoring and moved to the Montana outback where he kept to himself trying to deal with his loss as a husband, father and doctor.
A wounded donkey-cry alerts Micah to the wagon crash site where he finds three dead men and one wounded woman. He learns this is the life saving smallpox vaccines’ transport Ingrid’s father has promised to deliver to outback town Settler’s Fort. Now Ingrid is the sole survivor of the accident and she is determined to deliver the vaccines come hell or high water, but her leg and ribs have to heal first. In spite of the lack of confidence in himself and his doctoring skills, Micah takes care of Ingrid the best way possible without any medical supplies available. He is adamant to save her even though he was not able to save his family.
The relationship between Ingrid and Micah develops in spite of all the hardships they go through trying to move ahead in the snowy and bad weather, while at the same time caring for Ingrid’s injuries. Reading this story I sometimes got frustrated and thought “is anything ever going to work out for them”. Difficult and dangerous events just seemed to be piling up one after the other. But, as in real life, going through difficult situations may lead to stronger relationships. Ingrid is a strong woman with a strong faith and that seems to rub off on Micah. She trusts that God will help them survive the journey and get the vaccines delivered safely to help people of Settler’s Fort. Micah worries a lot about Ingrid’s health but sees how steadfast she is in her faith. She becomes a role model of sorts for him as his faith grows stronger. Together they stay strong and maintain their courage. The romantic relationship between them seems to grow slowly but surely in moments when the danger and drama quiets down a bit. It takes on a backdrop position which I found added to the story instead of being a disturbing element of the plot. I think it would have felt unrealistic for romance to have taken center stage in with all the danger and drama going on.
I really enjoyed the thorough research into how medical treatment might have worked out in rural areas in the 1860s. The story includes quite detailed descriptions of Dr Bradley’s considerations and careful ministrations as he treats Ingrid’s injuries. How he goes about moving her, treating her pain and avoiding infection without any kind of supplies, crutches or a wheel chair. I find this really interesting from a 2020 perspective.
An element which lightens the mood of the story is descriptions of the Chinook warm winds. As I live on another Continent I didn’t know about this weather phenomenon. It seemed to thaw some of the snow and generally make conditions easier when they tried to move as quickly as they could through the wintery mountain wilderness.
The outdoors descriptions I found very enjoyable and relatable as I have grown up close to nature in harsh winters of Northern Norway. Even though most outdoor activities from my childhood were during summer, I feel the descriptions of the cold, winter conditions stir up memories of playing in the snow.
This is my first book by Misty M. Beller, but probably not the last. I think she managed to balance the faith element and romance with the danger and drama in a way that overall worked out quite well. Fans of Ms Beller will enjoy this work. It is also recommended for readers who like historical romance fiction.
Last spring I read a book by Misty Beller and was impressed by the author's ability to make me feel connected to her characters, how she used man versus nature scenarios to create tension, as well as how her characters wrestled with their faith. This last point resonated with me because I feel like mainstream Christian fiction is becoming watered down (more subtle and/or secularized).
All of the elements that initially drew me to this author are present in her new release, Hope's Highest Mountain. I'm particularly pleased with how she stayed true to herself by continuing to write characters who trust in or learn to rely on God. This was a concern I had when I learned Ms. Beller, previously an indie author, had signed with a traditional publishing house.
As for the characters in this story, both Ingrid Chastain and Micah Bradley possess a number of endearing qualities and I enjoyed how their affection for one another grew out of mutual admiration rather than mere physical attraction. Micah stood apart from Ingrid, Joanna, and Samuel chiefly due to his compelling backstory and marked growth. While I liked Ingrid, I feel the overall story would have been stronger if she had been presented with a few flaws of her own.
The reason for the three-star (good) rating is simply because I feel like I have already read this story. It holds a number of similar elements to The Treacherous Journey— a grieving widower, harsh and seemingly insurmountable trek through the mountains, and a willful yet admirable female protagonist. A reader unfamiliar with Beller's earlier novel would likely rate this book more favorably.
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
I had high hopes for this one... the blurb about the plot sounded interesting and the cover is so pretty, but I felt like I was reading the same story over and over. the plot itself wasn't moving, things just kept happening to them and it got a little redundant. I also didn't feel like any of the characters had chemistry with each other, so their relationships and conversations felt forced and scripted (especially with the romance). disappointed but not totally turned off - I'm willing to give this author another try.
HAPPY SIGH. Such a great book! Reminds me a bit of Jane Kirkpatrick minus the based on real people :) I’ll definitely seek out more of her books. Realistic but still romantic.
I have enjoyed reading many other books written by this author, so I was very excited to read this latest novel, which begins a new series. Hope’s Highest Mountain did not disappoint!
The novel was packed full of adventure and danger as the main characters made their way through the perilous Montana Territory. They battled injuries and sickness, as well as nature.
I really liked the characters in Hope’s Highest Mountain. I was able to connect to all of them right from the start. They felt so real, and the struggles they faced were enormous, yet they bravely pushed through pain and trials in order to deliver much needed vaccines to a community in need.
The author did a wonderful job of weaving in messages of God’s love and provision through the story, even as one of the characters questioned why God allowed certain events to occur. And I definitely adored the romance that blossomed between Ingrid and Micah. It was so natural and a very healing connection for both of them, as well.
I loved this story from start to finish and eagerly look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"God has a plan in this . . . . We need only to make sure we follow His leading."
Ingrid Chastain's plans were to accompany her father to Settler's Fort with life-saving vaccines, but when a tragic accident leaves her critically injured on the side of a Montana mountain, she suddenly has to rely on a reticent savior, a mountain man who introduces himself as none other then Dr. Micah Bradley.
Micah Bradley has been battling hopelessness and despair since losing his young wife and daughter to the ravages of small pox. Happening upon the wreckage of a supply wagon, he is able to rescue the lone survivor and transport her back to his rustic camp site.The lovely young woman has suffered much and is in no shape to travel, yet she insists that they continue across the snow-laden wilderness with the contents of a carefully wrapped crate. Their journey, and that of those they meet along the way, proves that eternal hope may be found on the highest mountains as well as the darkest valleys.
Readers will feel as if their own feet are slipping along the icy trails in this dramatic story of survival against all odds, as Micah's faith is rediscovered and strengthened through the sweet example of the one whom he declares that, "God kept you alive for me."
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
This was my third book from this author and as I liked the other books, I had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it was a big disappointment. First of all, I did not like the H and h. They were kind, compassionate and strong, yes but that was it. I did not care about them or what was going to happen to them. She was strong but her strength sometimes bordered on stupidity. We do not get to know her heart or mind because the only thing she does is praying. The hero, well, I did not need to be reminded every two pages that he did not want to be a doctor and why. We were told once and for me that was enough. And romance, there was not much of it and I could not believe that they really loved each other. They hardly talked, so how did they fall in love? Ja, she was very beautiful and he was very protective and very handsome. That is not enough for me in a romance novel. I need more chemistry and personal understanding between the characters. Unfortunately, I had to skip through many pages to get to the end. Do not take me wrong, this book is full of adventures and accidents, but that was exactly the problem, I wish the characters would have some down time to get to know each other instead of getting from one accident into another while praying.....
A solid 2.5 Stars. I found this book boring. To be honest, I skimmed the last quarter of it. It started off very intriguing and mysterious but after the first half of the book, it went downhill. The romance between the two main characters was sweet but anticlimactic...as was the whole book. The main female lacked much personality. Besides being boring there was nothing outstandingly good or outstandingly bad about the book. Although, one thing that became annoying and almost silly was the consistent series of natural ‘disasters’ or incidences that befell the characters on their journey to their destination. It started to become predictable that another ‘incident’ was going to happen...and that was pretty much all that kept occurring throughout the second half of the book. The main idea for the story was interesting but the execution of the plot left a lot to be desired. For me, this book just left you wanting more. Not a very exciting read but sweet. I would give another one of her books a shot...but I’m not in a rush to do so.
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a romantic and adventurous historical Christian novel, about two people brought together by tragedy who face the worst of accidents and the elements to bring healing to a community. Touching moments and breath-taking scenery provide the perfect backdrop for this story.
Ingrid Chastain knew God was calling her and her father to deliver vital smallpox vaccines to a struggling community in rugged Montana Territory. She just didn’t realise it would cost the ultimate sacrifice. When Micah Bradley discovers a wrecked wagon, with three dead and one badly injured woman, he knows he must do what he can to save her - even if it means drawing upon the doctoring skills he left behind him after the death of his wife and daughter. As Ingrid recovers under Micah’s dutiful care, she presses him to continue her purpose to deliver the vaccines - but the journey will test their faith, their health and their fledging relationship.
Misty M. Beller has done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful story in Hope’s Highest Mountain. From the glorious scenery and rugged weather to the characters, who each speaks of a great love and strength. Micah is physically strong. He can wrestle carts up hills, survive the wilderness, carry Ingrid, fix her wounds and doggedly continue on. But his heart is hurting from the guilt and grief he carries from his wife and daughter’s deaths. Ingrid is spiritually strong. Despite the deaths of her beloved father and maid, despite the horrific injuries she has sustained and the pain, despite everything she has faced, she trusts God and sees that he has a plan for her even in such terrible conditions. But she is physically weak and injured and must rely on Micah to help her complete her journey.
As Micah and Ingrid make their journey, they encounter two other characters, both who are hurting from grief and who need physical assistance. They join Micah and Ingrid and together the four continue their journey toward healing - both by bringing the vaccine and through finding God’s love and mercy.
Hope’s Highest Mountain is a touching story and the start of what promises to be a wonderful series.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
The human spirit and will to survive drive this story. When it seems as if there is no possible way for the characters to complete their task, a way is opened and hope is revived.
Ingrid Chastain and her father are taking smallpox vaccinations to a frontier town. An accident happens leaving Ingrid alone and with a broken femur. Micah is lead to the scene and saves Ingrid and joins her on her journey to deliver the vaccinations.
Both Ingrid and Micah deal with a tragic loss. They help each other to emotionally heal and move on to a new life. There are many times where they both could have given up. Ingrid gives Micah the courage to practice medicine again and her faith helps him see the hand of the Lord in his life.
This book is well written and is realistic. I could imagine myself there with Ingrid and Micah facing the elements and the unforgiving mountain. This book captured the frontier times and the fight for survival. The romance was not rushed and I hoped the characters would find happiness together.
This book contains Christian themes, harsh conditions, and mild kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
In her first Hearts of Montana novel, Hope’s Highest Mountain, Misty M. Beller takes readers into the Montana wilderness for a delightful adventure and romance.
Ingrid Chastain is traveling with her father to deliver smallpox vaccines when a terrible accident forever alters her future. Injured and alone, she needs the help that only mountain man Dr. Micah Bradley can offer. As she recuperates—and he confronts the past he hoped to leave behind—the vaccine-delivery mission calls for attention and takes them on a journey of danger, faith, and hope.
As the story of Hope’s Highest Mountain unfolds, it proves to be an interesting one. With their survival at stake, both Ingrid and Micah must takes steps with strength and wisdom. Though at times, the haunting refrain of Micah’s past becomes repetitive, like a broken record, I enjoyed joining their life-saving trek across the frontier and look forward to reading more of the series soon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
The mountains of the Montana Territory are terrifyingly described in Hope's Highest Mountain as man and woman struggle against impossible obstacles.
Pioneering was never easy. Pioneering in the beautiful and treacherous mountains amidst storms of snow and ice enduring insufferable physical hardship is an unspeakably and unfathomably harsh ordeal.
The female protagonist, Ingrid, was on a mission with her physician father and personal helpers to convey the new, life-saving vaccine against smallpox to frontier outposts especially one whose physician was an old-time friend of Ingrid's father.
Tragedy intervened; but, as is the case when God is in control, there was a way out of the despairing situation when a strong mountain man came along and helped.
The title is Hope's Highest Mountain and there is so much hope flowing from the pen of Misty Beller. Hope to be saved from danger. Hope to heal physically and emotionally. Hope to complete the mission of bringing a source of medical prevention to suffering. Hope of a future filled with love. And most importantly, hope in the faith one has in an all-powerful, saving, God of Eternity.
A beautifully written story.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Hope’s Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller is the first in the series Hearts of Montana.
This is the first full length novel I have read by this author. I read a novella about a year ago. Ms. Beller puts the reader in the story with her realistic scenes of mountain wilderness and winter hardships. You can almost feel the cold seeping in. The quest to get a life-saving vaccine to a remote mountain mining town turns treacherous. A spiritually hurting former doctor, Micah Bradley, comes upon a badly injured Ingrid Chastain. Together they forge ahead on their mission. Micah is struck by Ingrid’s strength and resilience. Ingrid tells him: “Relying on God fills me with an inner strength much greater than I could possess on my own.” Can she help heal the inner turmoil of this broken man? This story is wonderfully picturesque and full of God’s majestic beauty of the mountains. There is hope portrayed in the struggle to battle the elements and fulfill a promise. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
'I learned long ago trusting God to help never makes things better. It only makes me weaker.'
Micah Bradley has lived alone in the Montana wilderness for 5 years now, ever since smallpox took his wife and daughter. He couldn't save them although he was a doctor. He comes across a wagon accident and finds all dead but one woman, who has a broken femur. He does all he can to save her, but when she asks him to transport the smallpox vaccines her doctor father was taking to a nearby fort, he balks. How could God want him to do such a thing after the loss he's suffered from this disease? He's willing to take the woman to the fort a few weeks' journey away, but this favor she's asked? He is not willing to even think about it. Ingrid Chastain endures horrible pain after Micah sets her leg but can't seem to get him to see the importance of getting the vaccine to the fort, even if it will save many lives. Can she trust God to work on Micah's heart?
Misty Beller begins this book in a powerful way. Her imagery is very strong and evocative to the reader. I was pulled in immediately and my attention never wavered at all during the book. These people endured much during this time of heartache and pain. Prominent in this book is the importance of surrender to God, even when it might mean great pain and even greater heartache. Her characterizations are vivid and her descriptions of the setting are wonderfully done. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
HOPE'S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN is a story of hardship and adversity among the mountains in Montana during winter as a group of characters travel to deliver vaccines to a small, rural town. As these characters face challenging circumstances, grief and pain, they also find hope, friendship and love, as well as faith in God to see them through. Recommended to Christian historical romance readers!
This story started intensely from the beginning when catastrophe strikes, then mellows as the characters get to know each other and as they work through survival. I loved the characters from the start, especially as they worked together to form a strong team. The darling boy and puppy also added some tenderness and fun in contrast to the rugged mountain man and elements. The story had plenty of other climatic moments as these characters traveled and braced themselves against the harsh winter. The romance was sweet and believable. The faith element was strong, but also woven through the story well.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is an engaging story full of faith, hope and friendship, leading to a sweet romance. Definitely worth the read!
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
I really loved this book! I started it last night and finished it today and I wasn’t able to put it down except for when I had to go tend to work and school, haha! Definitely a solid read.
I guess I’ll start off with the cover. Big kudos to Bethany House’s cover designer for this cover because this is the kind of cover I’d dream of creating. It’s by far one of the prettiest covers I’ve ever seen because of how realistic it is to the plot of the book, but it’s got this dreamy vibe to it that is absolutely perfect! I also love the side cover and the back.
I’ve never read one of Beller’s books, but what stuck out to me in Hope’s Highest Mountain are the characters’ beautiful names as well as the gorgeous fluid writing. The writing was so smooth and worked so well for this book. It really complemented the slow but still action-filled plot as well as the dialogue. I couldn’t get enough of Joanna and Samuel’s sweet bond with each other, and it really broke my heart when one of the characters got sick.
Hope’s Highest Mountain is the perfect recipe for a book when one’s craving for a historical fiction with elements of wilderness survival. 5 stars.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complementary copy from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and an honest review was not required.
Ingrid Chastain, the daughter of a Boston chemist/physician, was on her way with her papa and maid to Settler’s Fort, Montana to deliver a box of small pox vaccine when a terrible accident occurred — only Ingrid survived. Later that day, in freezing temperatures she’s found by Micah Bradley who splinted her broken leg and brought her to his shelter. Although deep in sadness and pain of loss, Ingrid was convinced she and Micah must take the vaccine to the intended settlement which was suffering from small pox.
Little did Micah realize this trip would take weeks, adding two more people and a dog as fellow travelers. Not everything goes well as one can imagine, with a small child, a sick woman and Ingrid who had to be pulled on a travois all the way.
Most prominent faith issues were knowing God was with them and lessons on trusting Him. Ingrid had enough faith for both she and Micah, but his faith, after the loss of all he loved, was rocky at best. Ingrid was so reassuring, always praying and sharing God’s love. Despite their hardships, one couldn't help but be inspired and softened by her devotion.
The respect/love/romance between Micah and Ingrid was gentle and sweet and a pleasure to read.
Micah after the great loss that befell him lost faith in God and became so self-reliant. But even in his pain and self imposed exile, God was leading him to help people. God directed his footsteps to be able to help people in direst need of medical attention. Even when we can’t see it God is directing our footsteps. People have gone hurt under his care before and he felt every time he let his guard down someone got hurt, that made him to always what to be there for those under his charge even when he couldn’t help. Until he met Ingrid in the snow filled mountains who taught him to rely on God by her lifestyle and words of encouragement. She taught him that turning control over to God would give him peace. Ingrid had lost all she had but not her faith in God. The most endearing virtue she had was her faith in God even in the worst of situations threatening her health. Her inner strength to be able to overcome pain, grief and bitterness came from reliance on God and prayers. I felt sorry about what happened to Joanna and her son but their paths crossed with Ingrid and Micah and it was just divine Providence at work. Together the four of them traversed the harshest of physical conditions which refined their faith and threw them into absolute reliance on God.
One of the greatest lessons I got from this book is the fact that when we come to God and rely on him He always brings out beauty out of every bad situation no matter how much we’ve messed up. In Him beauty always comes out of ashes.
“Relying on God fills us with inner strength greater than we could posses on our own” My favourite quote.
I received a copy of this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed here are mine.
The adventure almost never stops! In fact, I think I wished for a few more breathing points between all the terrible things that kept happening. I did love the romance and the tortured hero. I didn't particularly care about the secondary characters much besides Samuel, because they were all one-dimensional. Though I normally like shorter books and novellas, this is one that I think might have been more effective strung out just a little bit more. But a great read altogether!
Favorite quotes: “Relying on God fills me with an inner strength much greater than I could possess on my own.” (p.175)
“Over these past days, he'd come to grips with the fact that her inner strength came from her faith. But could it actually come from God himself, not just the strength of her beliefs? In response to her prayers? If only he could see that play out with his own eyes. Maybe the idea would be easier to believe in.”
This was a lovely introduction to Misty’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. Micah and Ingrid were likable characters and the others we met along the way were great additions to the book. The storyline was an interesting and it moved well. It’s a quick easy read. Honestly based on the characters, there would be an easy next book, and it’s one I would enjoy as well. I will definitely be reading more of Misty’s books in the future!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Oh wow, where to start?? I don't know if I have the words to do this novel justice. This was not my first read by Misty Beller, and it most certainly will not be my last. I'm already impatiently waiting for the next one now!
This novel was a perfect blend of historical fiction mixed with wilderness survival. With a cast of wonderful characters and a setting that seemed to throw every imaginable hurtle their way, the result is an adventure you won't soon forget. The heart and urgency of their mission was palpable and the danger was always lurking.
The romance was craftily written into the storyline through the moments that held the readers' hearts the most. It flowed out of mutual, genuine concern for each other's well-being instead of shallow romantic fluff. I appreciated that while it was pretty evident that there was always "chemistry" between them, it wasn't until they got to know one another and experienced each other's character that the real feelings of love started to bud. This was an easy romance for me to swoon over.
I appreciated reading a story that was so richly seeped in selfless ambition. Even as they wrestled with very real and heartbreaking emotions, they were still able to see past themselves to consider one other. I adored how Joanna and Samuel joining the ranks only seemed to sweeten the endearment. It was heartwarming to see a story so heavily steeped in people pushing themselves to the limits in an attempt to save the lives of others they don't even know.
There is so much more that I could say about this story but I don't want to give anything away. I absolutely devoured it and can't wait to see where the author goes next in the series. You can believe that as soon as it's announced I'll be adding it to my TBR pile. HIGHLY recommend!!
*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Misty Beller once again delivers a fine story. I just love her writings because she paints a beautiful picture of the mountains or wherever she decides to tell a story. She's one of my very favorite authors. I give this story 5 stars! Misty has always kept my attention from the beginning of her books she does that good of a job! The cover of this book is just gorgeous. I had been waiting for this for awhile now and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed this story because I like seeing how much medicine has changed since then and I"m sure quite a lot!I I also love the messages that she slips in and wants to reminds us that We are each and every one of us is in His hands. Ever hear that song He's got the Whole World in His Hands? Well, He certainly does!! God does not leave us nor does he forsake us. Also too, he never puts on our shoulder more than we can carry. I like to think that Ingrid and Dr. Bradley learns this as they work together in Settler's Fort when the Smallpox breaks out. I can't imagine having that disease. I hear it leaves your skin poxed pretty bad. I'm not sure if this disease still runs around today or not. I'm like other reviewers" what happens to Samuel and Joanna? Misty please don't keep us hanging in the air!! You won't want to miss this beautiful story! She'll capture your imagination from the beginning until the end!! You'll be wanting more!! My thanks to Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This book is a heart stopping story of a young woman, Ingrid Chastain, that traveled a long distance with her father and caregiver to deliver vital vaccines for smallpox in the Montana territory. Ingrid was raised by her father and when a college reached out to the good doctor he decided to travel from their home in Boston to Montana to deliver and assist in the administering of the much needed vaccine. Little did Ingrid know when their journey began that her whole world would change. The trip was difficult to say the least but one she put her trust in God to see them through.
When Micah Bradley lost his family to smallpox he gave up his practice as a doctor and moved to the Rocky Mountains of the Montana territory to get away from everyone and suffer in his pain alone. When he heard a noise and investigated where that noise came from his world would change as well. Finding Ingrid on the side of a mountain with lots of injuries he was forced to go back to doctor mode. Could he save this woman? And better yet could she save him?
Ingrid and Micah face so many trials along their way and with Ingrid's faith Micah finally sees he must trust in the Lord to see them through. I was on edge several times reading this book. There are so many times I didn't think they would survive and I wanted to skip ahead to see the outcome but held fast and read page by wonderful page and made this journey with them. I love this author, she always takes us on a journey back in time to feel what the characters would have felt and to paint a picture with her words that gives us a clear picture of the majestic beauty but also the dangers the characters saw and faced to live during this time. I could feel their pain and rejoiced in their victories. I watched as their love for one another grew and was rooting for their happily ever after. This book is so well written and shows us to put our trust in the Lord no matter how large or small our problem is. Very well written and so worth the read.
I received an early copy from Netgalley to read and review with my honest opinion. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. 5 stars for me.