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Montana Secrets #1
Final Refuge
Has the past caught up with her again?
Erin hopes she has found peace at last in a remote mountain town...until an intruder breaks in, but takes nothing. Is this yet another warning?
Her best friend's killer had taunted her for five long years with anonymous, untraceable threats on the anniversary of the murder with the stark warning: DON'T TELL. But then the messages stopped. She’d thought his frightening game was over. But if he has tracked her down again, will he try to finish what he started so long ago?
And what's with the handsome guy who moved into the cabin next door? He seems so kind to the little boy with him...but is he the very threat she fears?
Erin hopes she has found peace at last in a remote mountain town...until an intruder breaks in, but takes nothing. Is this yet another warning?
Her best friend's killer had taunted her for five long years with anonymous, untraceable threats on the anniversary of the murder with the stark warning: DON'T TELL. But then the messages stopped. She’d thought his frightening game was over. But if he has tracked her down again, will he try to finish what he started so long ago?
And what's with the handsome guy who moved into the cabin next door? He seems so kind to the little boy with him...but is he the very threat she fears?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2021
706 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Roxanne Rustand
101 books676 followersRoxanne is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of forty romantic suspense, mystery, and heart-warming, emotionally charged relationship novels in the clean & wholesome, as well as inspirational romance genres.
She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!
She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.
She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!
Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.
To connect...
https://www.roxannerustand.com
https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...
https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand
https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
She got her first horse at the tender age of six and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year-round. It was like giving a child car keys!
She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along.
She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all beloved elderly pasture ornaments, now), a golden retriever, a Mountain Cur rescue, and six fluffy barn cats. It's a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home!
Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.
To connect...
https://www.roxannerustand.com
https://bookbub.com/authors/roxanne-r...
https://amazon.com/author/roxannerustand
https://www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 25, 2024
I really like the settings in Roxanne’s books, they always have that small mountain town feel that I adore! The tension is always just right, the romance is sweet and there’s always a dog!
February 20, 2024
First time I've read this author. I really liked this book and can't wait to read the others.
April 23, 2022
A picture worth a thousand words...
I'm very glad I found this book. It has everything I enjoy with great characters that are written well and have backgrounds, a great story with suspense and mysterious bad guys, a truly lovable little boy and a setting that screams anything can happen here! The movements of the bad guy were somewhat confusing but as Erin began to solve her break-ins, muggings and feelings of being watched I admired what a devious mystery this was. My first book by Roxanne Rustand but not my last !
I'm very glad I found this book. It has everything I enjoy with great characters that are written well and have backgrounds, a great story with suspense and mysterious bad guys, a truly lovable little boy and a setting that screams anything can happen here! The movements of the bad guy were somewhat confusing but as Erin began to solve her break-ins, muggings and feelings of being watched I admired what a devious mystery this was. My first book by Roxanne Rustand but not my last !
November 4, 2025
A good story. Exciting read. The blurb did not fit the book well.
Erin has moved to the mountains where she grew up. But someone has broken into the store she is taking over but they didn't take anything?! What is going on? She has received some threats but not sure why? Will she discover the reason before it is too late?
Erin has moved to the mountains where she grew up. But someone has broken into the store she is taking over but they didn't take anything?! What is going on? She has received some threats but not sure why? Will she discover the reason before it is too late?
October 10, 2023
Very nice, but abrupt ending
I wanted to know how the financial mess was undone and the pensioners were returned their money in the end. At least a couple paragraphs should have been given for that purpose i feel. Otherwise, the whole story was great, narration great too.
I wanted to know how the financial mess was undone and the pensioners were returned their money in the end. At least a couple paragraphs should have been given for that purpose i feel. Otherwise, the whole story was great, narration great too.
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September 30, 2025The blurb of this book suggests that the suspense aspect of the story is going to be linked to Erin's past and, while I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, the murder in the past could be taken out, and it wouldn't make much (any?) difference.
Also, Erin's new renter, Jack, has drama in his past that he is trying to sort out, which I thought would turn out to be linked to Erin's new issues (we get a POV chapter from the bad guy, thinking about needing Jack and Max to get out of the cabin so he can search it), but that goes nowhere. Again, Jack's business issues could be removed from the story, and it wouldn't make any difference.
There were a few times when the author set up tense moments at the end of the chapter, but when the new chapter began, we had skipped right over those moments. I feel like the build up of this story was very slow, and we didn't get enough pay off at the end. Even Jack's faith journey seemed rushed over. He was angry at God for his sister's death and his fiancee's defection, but he still goes to church, and then is suddenly praying again.
I guess I would have wanted a little bit more, but this might really work for some people. I just wish the blurb would have more closely aligned with the story we got.
Also, Erin's new renter, Jack, has drama in his past that he is trying to sort out, which I thought would turn out to be linked to Erin's new issues (we get a POV chapter from the bad guy, thinking about needing Jack and Max to get out of the cabin so he can search it), but that goes nowhere. Again, Jack's business issues could be removed from the story, and it wouldn't make any difference.
There were a few times when the author set up tense moments at the end of the chapter, but when the new chapter began, we had skipped right over those moments. I feel like the build up of this story was very slow, and we didn't get enough pay off at the end. Even Jack's faith journey seemed rushed over. He was angry at God for his sister's death and his fiancee's defection, but he still goes to church, and then is suddenly praying again.
I guess I would have wanted a little bit more, but this might really work for some people. I just wish the blurb would have more closely aligned with the story we got.
November 4, 2021
Final Refuge by Roxanne Rustand
Montana Secrets Series Book One
Jack Matthews has suddenly become a single parent to his nephew. The grief of losing his sister and watching his nephew suffer is tough. He’s backed away from God as well, not understanding how He could do this to them. So they head to Montana for three months, hoping getting out of Texas will help Max, his five-year-old nephew.
Erin Cole has returned to Montana from Colorado. After her cousin’s murder, she had to get away. Now, she’s going to run the general store her grandparents had started. With Grandma Millie gone, it was time Grandpa had an easier life in Florida…with his sister. The murderer who had tormented Erin and her two others is dead, yet some other trouble has followed.
Loved this story. So many different angles of it. The suspense of who was after Erin, the sorrow and grief that Jack and Max are going through, and finally, a sweet, large, cuddly dog.
Looking forward to the other stories in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Montana Secrets Series Book One
Jack Matthews has suddenly become a single parent to his nephew. The grief of losing his sister and watching his nephew suffer is tough. He’s backed away from God as well, not understanding how He could do this to them. So they head to Montana for three months, hoping getting out of Texas will help Max, his five-year-old nephew.
Erin Cole has returned to Montana from Colorado. After her cousin’s murder, she had to get away. Now, she’s going to run the general store her grandparents had started. With Grandma Millie gone, it was time Grandpa had an easier life in Florida…with his sister. The murderer who had tormented Erin and her two others is dead, yet some other trouble has followed.
Loved this story. So many different angles of it. The suspense of who was after Erin, the sorrow and grief that Jack and Max are going through, and finally, a sweet, large, cuddly dog.
Looking forward to the other stories in this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
January 18, 2026
Final Refuge
I am so happy to have found another clean and Christian romantic suspense author! This was such a wonderful story. Erin had suffered nightmares of a situation she had lived through as a young girl where her cousin had lost her life at the hands of an evil man. She had left Montana shortly after, but when her grandfather wanted to retire and move to Florida to be with other relatives, she agreed to step in to run her late grandmother’s country store. She has rented a cabin across the road to a guy from Texas. Jack had brought his nephew to Montana for a change of scenery after his parents were killed in a car accident and his business partner left under suspicious circumstances. He has gotten close to his landlord, Erin, but strange things have been happening around them. Will the mystery be solved before anyone is hurt?
I am so happy to have found another clean and Christian romantic suspense author! This was such a wonderful story. Erin had suffered nightmares of a situation she had lived through as a young girl where her cousin had lost her life at the hands of an evil man. She had left Montana shortly after, but when her grandfather wanted to retire and move to Florida to be with other relatives, she agreed to step in to run her late grandmother’s country store. She has rented a cabin across the road to a guy from Texas. Jack had brought his nephew to Montana for a change of scenery after his parents were killed in a car accident and his business partner left under suspicious circumstances. He has gotten close to his landlord, Erin, but strange things have been happening around them. Will the mystery be solved before anyone is hurt?
September 12, 2025
A page turning suspenseful story set in a Montana mountain town with relatable characters, fast paced plot and a believable resolution.
Book 1 of the Montana Secrets. Erin hopes she has found peace at last in a remote mountain town...until an intruder breaks into her cabin and trashes it. Is this another warning from her stalker? Her best friend's killer had taunted her for five long years with anonymous, untraceable threats and a warning on the anniversary of DON'T TELL. If the killer has tracked her to this remote cabin, will he try to finish what he started so long ago? WHOM CAN SHE TRUST? The handsome stranger in the cabin next door? Will her newly adopted, impossibly fluffy young rescue dog at her side, provide protection.
Book 1 of the Montana Secrets. Erin hopes she has found peace at last in a remote mountain town...until an intruder breaks into her cabin and trashes it. Is this another warning from her stalker? Her best friend's killer had taunted her for five long years with anonymous, untraceable threats and a warning on the anniversary of DON'T TELL. If the killer has tracked her to this remote cabin, will he try to finish what he started so long ago? WHOM CAN SHE TRUST? The handsome stranger in the cabin next door? Will her newly adopted, impossibly fluffy young rescue dog at her side, provide protection.
January 13, 2026
A Puzzler 4.3
I like the book because the suspense continues to the end. The book is somewhat a psychological thriller with just a few moments of physical danger. The mystery is revealed in stages with the main tension at the end. I liked it a lot.
I am not a fan of last page true romance which this book has. It always seems disingenuous. The couple has a few bonding moments, they don’t talk, part for months, then come together at a second’s notice and decide to be a couple? The end is too vague for my taste.
The book gets 4 stars for the fun thriller part. It is a good work out book! The characters get 5 stars because they are sweet except the bad guy! I feel the characters, even the supporting ones, are layered and written well.
I like the book because the suspense continues to the end. The book is somewhat a psychological thriller with just a few moments of physical danger. The mystery is revealed in stages with the main tension at the end. I liked it a lot.
I am not a fan of last page true romance which this book has. It always seems disingenuous. The couple has a few bonding moments, they don’t talk, part for months, then come together at a second’s notice and decide to be a couple? The end is too vague for my taste.
The book gets 4 stars for the fun thriller part. It is a good work out book! The characters get 5 stars because they are sweet except the bad guy! I feel the characters, even the supporting ones, are layered and written well.
July 28, 2024
Different type of story.
Erin Cole has bought her grandmother’s business—Millie’s Provisions. It’s in Lost Falls, Montana. She bought the store and cabins from her grandfather, who really wanted to retire and go south. She has a tenant for one of the cabins—Jack Matthews and his young nephew Max. Max’s parents were killed in an automobile accident. Jack has taken his sister’s son. They have left Dallas. TX to try the mountains to help them bond better. But there are two twists—Erin is being stalked and Jack’s business partner stole money from clients. Can either of them find peace and happiness? Is there more each of their stories?
Erin Cole has bought her grandmother’s business—Millie’s Provisions. It’s in Lost Falls, Montana. She bought the store and cabins from her grandfather, who really wanted to retire and go south. She has a tenant for one of the cabins—Jack Matthews and his young nephew Max. Max’s parents were killed in an automobile accident. Jack has taken his sister’s son. They have left Dallas. TX to try the mountains to help them bond better. But there are two twists—Erin is being stalked and Jack’s business partner stole money from clients. Can either of them find peace and happiness? Is there more each of their stories?
September 7, 2025
Erin has moved from Denver to Lost Falls, MT to take over her grandfather's general store. She had grown up in the area but moved away when her cousin was murdered. She and her 2 cousins and their best friend were inseparable. The murderer always contacted them on the anniversary of the murder. It's been 15 years and he died 10 years ago. Now Erin is back and trying to find peace in a place where tragedy was. But, things just don't seem right. She gets a dog....he's so loving. Adds so much to the story. Jack has custody of his 5 yr old nephew. He has come to Lost Falls to provide time for he and Max to bond. Max hasn't said much since his parents were killed. The counselor thought a change of scenery would do him good. He falls in love with Charlie - the dog. Lots of suspense.....trying to figure out who is stalking her.
February 1, 2026
A short romantic-suspense with decent depth to characters.
It was definitely high on the suspense and mystery and the romantic threads felt a little under developed...BUT the ending was a surprise that it wasn't rushed into the forever kind of commitment and was a sweet and more realistic ending for the couple.
I enjoyed the other various threads of plot included in this small town and with Erin's friends.
Overall, an engaging way to spend a couple hours
It was definitely high on the suspense and mystery and the romantic threads felt a little under developed...BUT the ending was a surprise that it wasn't rushed into the forever kind of commitment and was a sweet and more realistic ending for the couple.
I enjoyed the other various threads of plot included in this small town and with Erin's friends.
Overall, an engaging way to spend a couple hours
December 21, 2022
Grandpa's Store
Erin decided to take over ownership of her grandpa's /Grandma Millie's Store so Grandpa could retire to Florida. However that was the beginning of her troubles. She had taken pictures of her girlfriend's wedding but had been too busy to check them out. She had captured more than just the wedding with a long range lense.
Erin decided to take over ownership of her grandpa's /Grandma Millie's Store so Grandpa could retire to Florida. However that was the beginning of her troubles. She had taken pictures of her girlfriend's wedding but had been too busy to check them out. She had captured more than just the wedding with a long range lense.
February 16, 2023
I did not see this coming
He was come to this small town to heal his broken heart and his nephew heart. The death of his sister and brother in law left him in charge of his nephew. She has moved back home to take over her grandparents store. Boy are they in for some good times and life and death Situations. Please enjoy this great book
He was come to this small town to heal his broken heart and his nephew heart. The death of his sister and brother in law left him in charge of his nephew. She has moved back home to take over her grandparents store. Boy are they in for some good times and life and death Situations. Please enjoy this great book
December 12, 2023
This story was amazing. You will also be touched by Teddy's story.
I couldn't put my book down it was so awesome! Jack and his recently orphaned nephew Max are renting a cabin from Erin. The book is mystery suspense romance. My favorite was Charlie. Erin rescued the puppy and Max fell in love with Charlie and it helped Jack interact with Max.
I couldn't put my book down it was so awesome! Jack and his recently orphaned nephew Max are renting a cabin from Erin. The book is mystery suspense romance. My favorite was Charlie. Erin rescued the puppy and Max fell in love with Charlie and it helped Jack interact with Max.
April 20, 2024
Montana Secrets #1
An absolutely delightful story of Erin who returns to Montana to run he grandparents store in the small town. She handled the cabin rentals, groceries and baking fresh caramel rolls to sell each morning. Suspense and mystery develop when someone continues to watch her and break into the store. Short but excellent. Enjoy!
An absolutely delightful story of Erin who returns to Montana to run he grandparents store in the small town. She handled the cabin rentals, groceries and baking fresh caramel rolls to sell each morning. Suspense and mystery develop when someone continues to watch her and break into the store. Short but excellent. Enjoy!
December 21, 2024
Final Refuge
I really liked this story a lot. I read the others first but liked this one best. Two lonely and lost people come together, a puppy finds a home, a lost soul is placed in a home and a child who lost his parents finds love with his uncle and his soulmate. On a wing and a prayer!!
I really liked this story a lot. I read the others first but liked this one best. Two lonely and lost people come together, a puppy finds a home, a lost soul is placed in a home and a child who lost his parents finds love with his uncle and his soulmate. On a wing and a prayer!!
September 6, 2025
really good
Really good, if at times a little disjointed giving me the feeling I’d missed something in the story. But then attuning myself to the authours style of writing, I enjoyed this wonderfully clean well executed story with good plots and plenty of other interesting side bits to keep the mind active involved till the end.
Really good, if at times a little disjointed giving me the feeling I’d missed something in the story. But then attuning myself to the authours style of writing, I enjoyed this wonderfully clean well executed story with good plots and plenty of other interesting side bits to keep the mind active involved till the end.
September 16, 2025
Many complications took place after she moved to Grandpas store. He needed a break. She could work remotely and run his tiny store. There were so many unknowns about her living there. A murder to her friend when they were young. A new cabin renter with his nephew. A new policeman for their area. And it all adds up to mysteries and solving them
October 8, 2025
Sweet Christian Suspense
I loved this book! It had all of the right amount of suspense, mystery, and romance. The story reminds us that God is always with us, but we need to talk to Him and trust him. It had enough interesting minor characters to make the story well rounded. While I typically prefer fiction without children, sweet little Max was a wonderful part of the story.
I loved this book! It had all of the right amount of suspense, mystery, and romance. The story reminds us that God is always with us, but we need to talk to Him and trust him. It had enough interesting minor characters to make the story well rounded. While I typically prefer fiction without children, sweet little Max was a wonderful part of the story.
May 18, 2023
Final Refuge
I really liked this book. Good clean mystery and romance. I would recommend to anyone who does not like extreme violence an bad language!! I will be reading more books from this author!
I really liked this book. Good clean mystery and romance. I would recommend to anyone who does not like extreme violence an bad language!! I will be reading more books from this author!
November 24, 2024
Final refuge...a fun filled read with some unexpected twists and turns.
Meeting Charlie the Pyrenees cross was the best idea Erin ever had.
Falling in love with Mark and his uncle Jack was the next best idea.
A Christian book easy to read.
Meeting Charlie the Pyrenees cross was the best idea Erin ever had.
Falling in love with Mark and his uncle Jack was the next best idea.
A Christian book easy to read.
October 1, 2025
Good story
Characters were fleshed out and likeable; the plot was intriguing ; Teddy added very much to the story; the conclusion was abrupt and not dealt with ; there were more questions at the end that were not addressed
Characters were fleshed out and likeable; the plot was intriguing ; Teddy added very much to the story; the conclusion was abrupt and not dealt with ; there were more questions at the end that were not addressed
July 9, 2022
Great book
A woman, a man, a child and a dog all bring the story together in a small town. Great read
A woman, a man, a child and a dog all bring the story together in a small town. Great read
July 17, 2022
Montana views
I liked this book it was believable and interesting I will read more of your books thanks for a few hours of good reading .
I liked this book it was believable and interesting I will read more of your books thanks for a few hours of good reading .
October 18, 2022
Final Refuge, very 👍
This book was very interesting there were fun characters and nice scenery. I enjoyed Final Refuge a lot. The ending was a little abrupt
This book was very interesting there were fun characters and nice scenery. I enjoyed Final Refuge a lot. The ending was a little abrupt
December 1, 2022
Wish it would have had a more definitive ending with the characters.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!
Otherwise, I really enjoyed it!
August 3, 2023
ENTERTAINING SUSPENSE AND ROMANCE
First time reading this author's short and sweet romance with a slight touch of mystery and suspense. A very enjoyable adventure.
First time reading this author's short and sweet romance with a slight touch of mystery and suspense. A very enjoyable adventure.
September 5, 2023
FABULOUS!!!
I read it in an afternoon!! Could not put it down. Loved it!!! I would recommend it to all my friends. Great writing!!!
I read it in an afternoon!! Could not put it down. Loved it!!! I would recommend it to all my friends. Great writing!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews