Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he’s asked to safely retrieve the priest’s cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects.
After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who’s been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins.
As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti’s focus on God is more unsettling than he’d like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she’s made it crystal clear she doesn’t want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.
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.
I enjoyed this read, the second book in this series, and yes it does read alone, but we are reunited with past characters. I loved how these characters lived their faith, and then shared their love of God with others. The setting is the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and the author’s word pictures are beautiful. We are with Joseph when he picks up Monti to lead her to her uncle, and finds out Monti is not a guy. I loved how Monti shares her knowledge with the Indians and seems to have a lot of compassion for others, including Joseph. Can these two hurting individuals forge a relationship. Watch as this journey continues and we are let into their lives.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
I loved Joseph in the first book of the series, so I was so excited to read his story! He was such a fun and light-hearted character, but that part of him is not as apparent in this book since he's weighed down by an injury that makes daily tasks difficult. Over time and with Monti's influence, his good humor does start to shine through again. Monti was sweet and compassionate, and I admired her determination and independence on her journey and with the Native American tribe her uncle ministered to. The author descriptive writing had me transported to the setting and experiencing the harshness and perils of the wilderness with the characters. The pace of the book was steady, with periods of contemplation that slowed things down a bit, but overall it was an enjoyable story in a great wilderness setting.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
This Wilderness Journey is a beautiful, romantic, adventurous addition to the Heart of the Mountains series. It is book two in the series, yet stands alone if you have not read book one, This Treacherous Journey.
Joseph battled some pretty significant insecurities and Monti was determined to follow God’s will for her life in this new land. I connected with these characters early on in the novel and felt a desire for Monti and Joseph to find their happily ever after! And what an emotional journey they traveled together by the end of the book!
This story had so many of the elements that I love in a novel, including great chemistry between the main characters, adventure, growth in the spiritual journeys of the characters, and a sweet epilogue that left me smiling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been waiting for Joseph’s story since we met him in This Treacherous Journey, and I was not disappointed. He’s been through a lot and is understandably reserved but boy howdy is he swoony when he puts his heart to it!
Monti and Joseph’s journey from cautious strangers to a sweet friendship to a ‘friendship set on fire’ romance is truly enjoyable to follow. There are some incredibly tender moments between them, as well as some passionate kisses. But both of them are wounded souls, in some form or other, and part of the tenderness of their journey is watching them choose to trust the other person despite the risk. I really loved the ‘journal entries’ from Monti and Joseph that began each chapter – short snippets that give us a little insight into their thoughts and feelings beyond what Beller has already given us in the narrative.
Another highlight for me is Joseph’s faith journey – especially when seen in contrast to Monti’s relationship with God. In many ways, Joseph has been on his own wilderness journey – one of self-doubt, bitterness, and self-imposed loneliness. She never sets out to bring him back to God specifically; rather what he sees in her nudges the shriveled faith in his own heart and brings him to a crossroads of sorts. Beller does all this in a way that is never preachy but always feels organic to the story and yet also speaks to the reader’s heart in the process.
"The things that happened to you don’t have the power to make you more or less than who you are. It’s up to you to decide whether you’ll live up to His plan for you."
Bottom Line: Another must-read for fans of rugged adventure, strong heroines, heroes of integrity, and gentle messages of faith. The treacherous setting of the northern Rocky Mountains adds to the sense of adventure and may even keep your heart in your throat on more than one occasion. Monti and Joseph are separately endearing as people, and together as strangers-becoming-friends-becoming-more they are truly delightful. They treat each other’s rough edges with tenderness and humor, and their journey through the rigors of the wilderness (both physical and spiritual) is inspiring.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Brace yourselves for a rugged trek through the wilderness of the northern Rockies with two endearing lead characters, familiar faces, and a clash of cultures along the way. Joseph Malcom is an all-around good guy, fierce protector, and skilled mountain man. Monti Bergeron is a determined, independent, and complex young woman.
With some mild meddling from a couple of secondary characters, our hero and heroine learn important lessons about their faith and about themselves. This setting is appropriately larger than life yet God's presence and everlasting hope is the prevailing force in the storyline. I enjoyed this encouraging story and its authentically flawed characters.
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.
This Wilderness Journey is the second installment from Misty Beller’s Heart of the Mountains series. It is, also, one of the many reasons why she is among my favorite authors. The vivid and descriptive details of the setting, made me just imagine the beautiful scenery of the area. I love reading Monti and Joseph’s story. Just a wonderful telling of how important it is to have a relationship with God.
I give This Wilderness Journey 5+ stars and I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion
Opening Line (from Chapter 1): November, 1852 Canadian Rocky Mountains
I am the luckiest man alive.
First Impressions: Even though I loved Joseph in the first book of this series, I had some difficulty connecting to him at the start of this book. I think it is because it took me too long to understand what was bothering him. It had been so long since I had read the first book that I couldn’t remember for sure if the injury mentioned was connected to that first book or was the result of something that had happened in the time which elapsed between books. That lack of clarity kept me at an emotional distance for the first portion of this book.
Characters: Joseph Malcom – Since the last book, he has lost his purpose and become a nomadic mountain man struggling to accept a tragic turn of events and find what God has planned for his life. Emma’s twin brother.
Monticello “Monti” Bergeron – A courageous young woman, orphaned and determined to serve God.
Father Bergeron – A missionary ministering to the local tribes and cousin to Monticello “Monti” Bergeron. He genuinely cares for the tribes he ministers to and for his young cousin.
Simeon Grant – Joseph’s brother-in-law only plays a tiny role in this story.
Emma Grant – Joseph’s twin sister plays only a slightly larger role than Simeon in this story.
Emotional Engagement & Pacing of the Story: It took me a while to warm up to this story. The interactions between Joseph and Monti are what cemented my emotional connection to the story. Joseph is a genuinely good man struggling with relatable issues. Monti is a spunky young woman working through scars from her past. The way they communicated with each other and Monti’s intuitive understanding of Joseph drew me in. I wanted to see how their relationship developed and I am happy with where it went for the most part.
I was happily reading along in this novel without feeling that it dragged at all until a particular situation arose which, in my opinion, was too similar to something which occurred in the first book. To be honest, this event soured my opinion of the book not because it was done poorly or was too farfetched, but simply because I felt I had already been there, done that. Although certain details were different, the essential event itself was the same and I found that disappointing. It was difficult for me to get back into the story afterward.
Elements I especially liked/disliked: Please see the second paragraph of the previous section for that which I did not care for.
As for the things I especially liked… I especially liked the musical interactions between the hero and the heroine which revealed compassion and connection between them in a unique way I haven’t read before. I also liked the author’s unique integration of a medical condition involving one of the secondary characters. It added an interesting depth to the story and was, again, something I’ve not seen before in this context.
Themes: Finding purpose in one’s life.
Accepting that God is good and always with us – even in tragedy.
Viewing one’s self-worth through God’s eyes.
Ending: The ending is sweet. It felt fresh and satisfying. It made me smile.
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first book in the series. These journeys are not only physically daunting at times, but they really provide ample opportunity for character growth. Joseph had a long way to go in this story, and I loved seeing him interact with Monti. Have you ever heard that faith is contagious? Well I could see how that could be possible here. You could tell that Monti's faith bothered Joseph, but you could see these walls break down over time and it was so neat to watch, well read. It wasn't that he had zero faith, it was just different. I'm so glad that we got to see more of Joseph after seeing him in nook one. I knew he had a story to tell and was excited to get the chance to read.
As did the first book, you see some great secondary characters here. Misty Beller has done such a great job in making the reader connect with all of the characters, not just the main ones. She also does a great job in teaching as she writes. I learned so much from this book - about being in the wilderness, the Indians, the mountains, and the ruggedness of the 1800s. I like stories that teach. It's kind of like icing on the cake - you get entertainment and learning at the same time. I think historic readers will devour this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have wanted to read a book by author Misty M. Beller for a while now, and This Wilderness Journey was my first. This is a story about a young woman, Monti, who has lost everything and is coming into the Canadian frontier to be a missionary alongside her cousin to the Native peoples. This is also a story of Joseph Malcom, who has been in Canada for a little while with his twin sister’s family.
Both characters are carrying around a lot of baggage. Joseph due the fact that he is a wanderer: forever looking for something to make him happy. Add to that his is crippled in one hand due to an accident. In Monti’s case we get glimpses of what her past life was like. I do wish we had more of a backstory on her, but both are looking for some kind of forever.
I liked the setting and getting a glimpse of the Canadian frontier and the tribes who lived there. This was a romance through and through which I enjoyed immensely and I look forward to more of Beller’s works.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This Wilderness Journey is the sequel to This Treacherous Journey, Emma's brother Joseph's story. While another solid story from Misty, I struggled to connect to Joseph and Monti, but I admit, I'm not sure why. Both Joseph and Monti are likable characters, both with a lot of emotional baggage. Joseph struggles with his faith after his experience whereas Monti's relationship with God appears to have a great depth. But, she has deep trust issues steaming from a traumatic experience as a teen, and although I understand the deep hurt, I also question how her deep faith hasn't helped her move more forward at this point. Everyone processes and heals at a different rate, though, so other readers might agree with right where she is.
If you are a Misty Beller fan, be sure to pick up a copy.
I received a complementary copy of this story. All opinions are honest and my own.
What a story!! I enjoyed it so much!! I couldn't put the book down and I felt like I was riding along with Monti, Antoine, Joseph! I liked how Misty used the Indians as support characters. I can just picture them in my mind. So tall and proud!! I enjoyed how Misty brings God into her stories and seeing how the characters in the story turn to God along the way. It doesn't hurt us to have some quiet time with God. But all too often we get caught up in our own ways thinking that we can handle things on our own! But we can't. Sometimes it takes the little things and maybe some big things to bring us closer to Him like Joseph in the story. I strongly recommend this beautiful story to anyone who loves to read I received this book for free. All opinions are my own
Ah, I do love Misty Beller's books. If you've enjoyed her previous books, you will definitely love this one. If you haven't read any of her books but love historical romance (this is set in the 1850s in the Canadian Rocky Mountains), you need to read this book. This is the second book in the Heart of the Mountains series but can be read as a stand-alone. Emma, Joseph's twin sister, and her husband Simeon play a large role in this story but you don't necessarily need to know their story to enjoy Joseph's story. The author, as always, combines fluid and easy-to-read writing with beautiful breath-taking descriptions of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in 1852. The wilderness is majestic and haunting and the incorporation of relationships with the natives into the plot is delightful. The characters are memorable and lovable. Joseph, in particular, tugged at my heartstrings from page one. He is emotionally and spiritually broken from an accident and doesn't know how to find his way back to who he was before the injury. He is intelligent, capable, and full of love but doesn't think he's worthy of Monti. Monti comes to that part of Canada to help her cousin with his missionary work and takes her calling quite seriously. It takes Monti's patient love and a few scary events for Joseph to find his way back to a loving and gracious God and to fully accept Monti's love. Monti, on the other hand, has to slowly learn to let others into her heart and to depend on others for help, even in her very independent and feisty state of being. I was happy to see Emma and Simeon in this story (for I fell in love with them in the first book) and am holding my breath for the next book......who would it be about?
I received a copy of this book from the author. A favorable review was not required. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Moni wanting to join a cousin and minister to the Indians in the Canadian mountains. It seems overwhelming to do, tired of the men asking for hand in marriage. Setting out to be that as a nun, until the guide that will lead her to the camp might change her mind. A good adventure and not for the light hearted.woman, for one of courage to travel this far.Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
This is the second book in this series. Well loved characters from the first story are here with a few new ones. Joseph and Monti meet as he travels to bring her to her uncle. This journey isn’t what you would expect . There are numerous incidents throughout their journey. The intrigue, mystery and extreme incidents doesn’t end there. You as the reader will not be disappointed as Misty weaves a suspense filled story all centered on Jesus. I will wait expectantly for the next book. Please read and enjoy.
Misty Beller just keeps writing one great book after another. So enjoyable. I recently spent the last 3 weeks in the Philippines on vacation and read a lot on the long journey there and back and this was one of the books I read. It was such a great read and a great follow up to, "The Treacherous Journey." Many of the same characters that I grew to love in that book are in this one. "The Treacherous Journey" is Emma Malcolm's story. "The Wilderness Journey" is her twin brother, Joseph Malcom's story. This book was an adventure just like the "The Treacherous Journey was." There was a lot of action and suspense and sad parts but there were funny parts as well. The funniest part to me was when Joseph is talking to Thunder Rumbles and Three Shadows about getting Monti back from the Kanai who are holding her against her will. Joseph asks if they should pretend to be one of them. The Three Rivers says, "You think you look Kanai? Joseph shrugged. "My sister's husband did it once to save her from the Apsalooke. He almost got away. Three Shadows spat on the ground. "Apsalooke not have good eyes.
Once again I enjoy how scripture is woven into the story how it uplifts, calms, and impacts the lives that have been touched by it. Especially moving for me is when Monti feels the words come to her mind, "The battle is not yours; but God's." She remembers the story of King Jehosphaphat. And then followed by the subsequent episode where Joseph is able to free Monti with the help of the Peigan Indians.
This is a wonderful western historical romance. I loved Monti and Joseph. Each of these characters learns how to cope in the wilderness in different ways. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Both characters learn to trust in God again. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
This story brings back earlier characters, brings in new characters and blends them into a Christian romance. Life is not easy and Misty brings those details into all of her stories. I had a hard time putting this story down and finished it in only two days - only because I recently retired. I'm sure all of you who pick up this newest story will be like me, waiting to see where she goes from here.
This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller was another great book by her. As with all of Misty's books, the reader is pulled in so quickly that it becomes difficult to put it down. I loved the sense of humor Misty used in the beginning over the mix up of who Joseph was picking up. It was well written. I also love the way Mist is able to bring faith into her stories. As a reader, I am able to apply the same lessons in my own life. Even over things that happened years ago. Without giving away any of the story, I just want to quote something that Monti said to Joseph, "The things that happened to you don't have the power to make you more or less then that. It's up to you to decide whether you'll live up to His plan for you. You are the man God made you to be Joseph Malcom." This same truth can be applied to each of us as we look back at things in our lives. I love the way Misty Beller is able to state God's truths so simply and beautiful. If you are looking for books about how our ancestors survived and thrived while settling the country you will enjoy all of Misty's works. They are a tribute to the fortitude of those settlers. You will feel like you are right there living through their challenges. The descriptions are that well done. I look forward to reading more of Misty Beller's books.
This Wilderness Journey is Joseph's story. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the mountainside and Indian life. The characters were well-developed and the addition of Monti and Priest Antione made for an interesting story. Monti's relocation from Montreal to the wilderness and her willingness to adapt was inspiring.
I loved the spiritual references and the story was laced with hope, trust in God, and the fact that God's plan is always better than anything we can dream of. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantic story set in the Colorado Mountains in the 1800's. Can't wait to read the next one. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit and voluntarily chose to review it.
This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller This is Book 2 of Heart Of The Mountain Series. The books are based on twins, Joseph and Emma Malcom. The first book is centered on Emma. It's called This Treacherous Journey. This book is about Joseph and his struggles.
GOD heals. That is the message I took from this story. If we let him in, he can do miracles. He can heal a broken heart. He can heal sickness. He can do miracles.
I really love western stories. This book was right up my alley. I loved the location and the storyline. I hated to put the book down. I am looking forward to more books by this talented author.
I received this free to review.
About the Book This Wilderness Journey Title: The Wilderness Journey Author: Misty M. Beller Release Date: April 24, 2018 Genre: Christian Historical Romance He’s been sent to retrieve the new missionary… But she’s not at all who he expects to find. Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he’s asked to safely retrieve the priest’s cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects. After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who’s been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins. As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti’s focus on God is more unsettling than he’d like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she’s made it crystal clear she doesn’t want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.
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About the Author MistyMisty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy. God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Guest Post from Misty Beller The Frontier Cook
I love to write frontier romance, where the challenges were tough and the people had to be even tougher. And one of the things I love to imagine is how my characters cooked during those days. Can you imagine how hard it would be to cook over an open fire? Every. Single. Meal. Of course, it’s not like they had a lot of variety to work with. Once you learned how to make a decent stew or corn mush, you didn’t have much to worry about, right? Yet, many of the frontier women became quite adept at cooking over their cabin’s hearth, or even over an open campfire. In my new book, This Wilderness Journey, Monti (the heroine) came from a middle-class home with a paid chef and never had to learn to cook at all, much less without the use of a wood stove (which is still so much harder than heating a hot-pocket in the microwave). After she burned the corn mush their first night on the trail through the Canadian wilderness, Joseph (the hero) taught her a few basic meals. As I was researching some creative ways frontier women cooked in an open hearth, I discovered the wide use of puddings, mostly because of how easy they were to make. By wrapping the ingredients in a cloth or pudding bag, they could be dropped in a pot of boiling water and left until the ingredients had softened and expanded. An entire meal could be made with a few ingredients, a pudding cloth, and a pot of boiling water. One of my favorite cooking scenes in This Wilderness Journey is the making of the Oatmeal Pudding. What do you think? Sound like something you’d like to try? Blog Stops A Baker’s Perspective, June 7 Among the Reads, June 7 Two Points of Interest, June 8 The Power of Words, June 8 Blossoms and Blessings, June 9 The Christian Fiction Girl, June 9 Mary Hake, June 10 Splashes of Joy, June 10 Neverending Stories, June 10 Kathleen Denly, June 11 D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 11 Maureen’s Musings, June 12 Kat’s Corner Books, June 12 Mommynificent, June 13 Reading Is My SuperPower, June 13 Moments Dipped in Ink, June 13 Bibliophile Reviews, June 14 Luv’N Lambert Life, June 14 Pause for Tales, June 15 proud to be an autism mom, June 15 A Greater Yes, June 15 Texas Book-aholic, June 16 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 16 Janices book reviews, June 17 Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 17 Carpe Diem, June 18 Red Headed Book Lady, June 18 Connie’s History Classroom, June 19 Bigreadersite, June 20 Christian Author, J.E.Grace, June 20 Giveaway e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cd16/this-...
This Wilderness Journey is my first read of a Misty M. Beller book, but it will not be my last. This book has it all — a beautiful and sad heroine, a dashing but damaged hero, rugged and beautiful landscapes, adventures, dangers, kidnapping, and a friendship that quickly blossoms into a very sweet romance. I found myself tearing through the pages of this book. When I had to put the book down, I was so frustrated because I just wanted to know what was coming next…and next…and next!
It is a common practice to think that bad things happening to us means that God is mad or disappointed in us. This could not be further from the truth, but it certainly does feel this way. When life gets tough, God expects us to go to Him. He isn’t allowing circumstances into our lives so that we will give up, stay stagnant, and play the blame game. But, that is what a lot of people do. I admit I’ve done it in my lifetime. Joseph Malcom, the hero of This Wilderness Journey, plays the blame game. He believes that if God had loved him, God wouldn’t have allowed him to get hurt. Joseph closes off his relationship with Jesus, and with anyone who could be a lifelong partner. It takes a very strong woman, Monti Bergeron, to step up to Joseph and force him to see that having a flaw doesn’t mean that God thinks he is useless. Joseph realizes that he needs to man up, put things right between himself and God, and live the life God meant for him to live. For me, the lesson Joseph learns in this book is a great reminder that when God allows bad to happen in my life, I need to go to God first so He can show me how to navigate my path and still be the woman He wants me to be — flaws and all.
Why did the ancient Israelites end up wandering in a desert for 40 years after the Exodus? Bottom line — the generation that left Egypt didn’t trust God. As punishment for their sin of distrust, the ancient Israelites wandered for 40 years. What I love about that story is that God NEVER abandons these clearly damaged people. He understood their limitations as a community with an enslavement mentality. Sure it frustrated Him (and Moses) often, but God knew His people. If you can take a step back from the details — the Israelites didn’t trust, they were pretty cowardly, they were quite selfish at times, etc. — you can actually see the wilderness wanderings as a sort of love story. In essence, God spent 40 years caring for His damaged kids. He gave them food, water, forgiveness (so much forgiveness), and love. God could have easily killed all the distrusting Israelites and started over with this damaged generation’s children, but He didn’t do that. We always see the desert wandering as a negative thing, but I’m not so sure that desert wanderings are totally bad.
Joseph is reminiscent of a wandering Israelite. Instead of a desert, Joseph wanders the Canadian Rockies attempting to distance himself from God and from new, lasting attachments. He lives in a cave, wanders amongst the Native American tribes helping a local missionary bring supplies to the Natives, and he sometimes visits his twin sister, Emma. But mostly, Joseph just wanders around the mountains. He is angry. He is distrustful. He is damaged. Just like the ancient Israelites, and just like me when I’ve gone through some serious valleys. I am reminded of Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” When we are in a wandering place in our lives, we are so convinced it is of our choosing. We are choosing to escape others and God. We just want to be alone, but I am not sure that is actually the case. I think God puts us in these wandering moments so He can get us alone in order to take care of us, heal us, and love us. We just need to see, as Joseph eventually sees, that God is ordering our steps the entire time.
This Wilderness Journey is a really good read. It’s engaging and fast paced. It has a sweet romance that builds well over the course of the story. And, it has some pretty timely lessons that I found I needed to hear again. If you are looking for a good read, check out This Wilderness Journey today!
I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is a cute read I had to chuckle when Joseph went to pick up the minister cousin and found out he was a she. I had a blast picturing in my mind the look on his face. Joseph has spent his life helping others giving so much of his self. He had an accident that the author gives such vivid details I felt a chill go up my spine. My mind just doesn’t wrap around what that must have been like, not knowing if you would live, deciding if you should cut off a body part. He lost his faith in God that day and just hasn’t been able to find it. This is a very emotional and spiritual read that really touched my heart. Monti words keep going through my mind be the man God made you to be not what you think you should be. No truer words have been written. It’s a story about looking past your disabilities or the ones you think you have learning to accept who you are, knowing you are no less of a person no matter what you have been though. The story is built around lost in so many ways, to finding yourself, there is danger, excitement, romance, and so much more.
Ms. Woodworth’s narration with her soft sweet voice really brought this story to life. She made me feel each lose, sorrow and pain. Her character voices are outstanding her female so soft but strong, her male strong but weak, both caring and loving. You can hear the pain, sorrow, anger, hurt along with excitement, danger and thrills. I had no trouble picturing the events as they unfold. This was one audio she held me in the palm of her hand with true emotion that each character was going through. I was so invested I forgot I was listening and found things to do around the house to listen longer. Her tones are right on the mark keeping the listener on the edge as danger gets near. It was a thrilling, exciting listen. The danger is real, I felt like I was there with the characters. There are no volume changes, no background noise or any repeating of words. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. I had no trouble knowing who is talking and what they are feeling. Her character voices are just great as well as her normal voice is very pleasant and easy to listen to. You can feel the uneasiness of the characters as they work through the emotions of loss, facing the outcome and the heart break of the past. Ms. Woodworth’s has no trouble pulling of this very emotional listen that captivates you and holds your attention.
So far out of this series this one is my favorite. I think the author out did herself giving a very powerful message along with a very detailed story that kept me very entertained. There was a time or two when I think my heart stopped beating for a minute and others where I smiled and even wanted to cry at the true emotion that was written. This is so much more than a romance it is about faith, overcoming issues and finding what you want out of life and going for it. I loved the characters, how the story is laid out and the true meaning behind it. From start to finish I was hooked can't wait for the next one.
Misty takes us on another journey to the Canadian Rocky Mountains to see how Joseph Malcom is doing. If you remember, Joseph is the twin brother of Emma Malcom. He and Emma were safely guided by Simeon Grant to their aunt and uncles home to escape Emma’s past troubles in book 1 The Treacherous Journey. Joseph endured difficult times on that journey. Emma and Simeon fell in love and married and now have a cabin close to their aunt and uncle's ranch. Now we pick up where we left off with Joseph. In the year since they arrived he has wandered these beautiful mountains in search of something. A terrible accident several months back left him with an injury to his left hand so he now feels he has nothing of offer anyone. God has other ideas. Father Antoine Bergeron has a great favor to ask of Joseph. Retrieve his cousin Monti from the fort and get his cousin safely to him. No worries, Joseph can do that but again God has other plans than Joseph realizes. Monti isn’t what Joseph expected. This book is so full of adventures, trusting God’s word even when we don’t understand and finding true love. Misty Beller has the ability to take us back in time to where we can see how the rugged mountain homes were and to feel what the characters must have felt who lived it. We get to experience the fears and heartache but also watch love blossom and yearn for the faith it takes to survive in this Rocky Mountain wilderness. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I love everything about this book. The challenges, the suspense, the hardships and heartaches, the interactions with the Indian tribes and the faith required to learn to love and allow that love to blossom. I highly recommend this book and if you haven’t read the first one I would recommend it as well. You don’t have to read it to enjoy this one but you will love it too.
My review today is on the western historical romance, This Wilderness Journey. This is book two in the Heart of the Mountains Series. This book was sent to me to read but I wasn't required to review it. I really enjoy Misty's stories and I know you are going to love this one. This book is well written, action packed, and faith based.
Joseph Malcom considers himself to be a mountain man. Over a year ago he and his twin sister left Texas on the run. His sister was in trouble with the law. They had an accident on the way and a man helped them. He then agreed to take them to Canada to their aunts.(book one) Now Emma is married to Simeon and they have a toddler. Joseph is uncomfortable around them and spend most of his time out in the mountains. He lives in caves and travels all over. A friend, Father Bergeron asks him to meet his cousin at Fort Hamilton and bring Monti to his place to help with his mission work. Joseph agrees but is shocked to find out Monti is a woman, a very beautiful woman.
Monticello Bergeron has lost all of her family except for her cousin. She dreams of helping him with his mission work with the Indians. She never dreamed it would be so hard. She has traveled for over a week with freighters and now must spend several days on a horse( which she has never ridden before) to the mountains with a man she never met before. She attempts to cook but burns everything. How does she help others?
A journey of two broken souls caring around their secrets. They must learn trust, forgiveness, and love as they struggle to survive in the Canadian Rockies. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, a plan for a hope and a future. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and give the Holy Spirit control over your life. Watch Him turn your life around.
Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he's asked to safely retrieve the priest's cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects.
After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who's been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins.
As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti's focus on God is more unsettling than he'd like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she's made it crystal clear she doesn't want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.
MY REVIEW
I really enjoy Misty's books and am really enjoying reading them all, I'm sure you will too once you start reading them. I don't often 'pre-order' books but I do hers. She has a writing style that keeps you coming back for more,. So far I see seven books in this series and I have already pre-ordered the seventh book. I just wish I could read as fast as she writes, but unfortunately I don't as well as having so many books in my TBR pile, I just can't keep up, BUT I will not miss out on any.
I knew from the first few pages that this would be a great adventure. Joseph has been assigned to escort Monti Bergerson safely. I laughed when they meet and Joseph is shocked to find out Monti is a woman. Their journey will take them into dangerous territories and Joseph isn't sure Monti will survive. He tries everything to talk her out of going, but to no avail.
Monti is one tough woman. After losing her mother she decides to take a trip to minister to the Indians. I loved her faith and how determined she was to do what God had called her to do. I can't imagine being in the wilderness having to depend on a stranger to keep me safe. I loved the description of the area and how protective Joseph was of Monti. When it became obvious that Monti knew nothing about cooking, I had to laugh. Monti and I have something in common when it comes to cooking. Many disasters later, my husband is the official cook in the family.
It was nice to read about Monti meeting Joseph's sister. Emma is a gentle person and made Monti feel right at home. There is a part in the story where the two main characters share a moment that was written so eloquently that I found it to be one of the best parts of the story. The author does a good job of talking about Monti being with the Indians. It shows how gentle her heart is and how brave she is to tend to their needs. It is a good story that has adventure, faith and romance. I enjoyed getting to know Monti and Joseph. Will they find what they are looking for to be happy?
"The things that happened to you don't have the power to make you more or less than that. It's up to you to decide whether you'll live up to His plan for you."
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The overall tone of the story is quiet, peaceful, and restful, yet with a touch of adventure. I thought the way the author used the term “Indians” for the natives of the area was quite appropriate because in the mid-19th century, that is how they were known. That is just one example of the way she gave the sense of time and place through the story.
There is a strong Christian message; however, I wish there was a more obvious point where Joseph realized that God’s love extended to him as well as to Monti. The allusion to his shame over something in his past wasn’t explained more. Perhaps it was explained in the first book of this series but as this book is about him, it seems like it should have been described here as well.
Overall, the story was very good and enjoyable. This is a great option for readers of historical fiction that takes place in the “Old West”.
After thoroughly enjoying my first book from Misty Beller, This Treacherous Journey, I was thrilled to be offered a complimentary ARC of the next book in the series, This Wilderness Journey, about the brother of the main character in the first book!
This was a great continuation from Emma’s story from This Treacherous Journey, but this time it was all Joseph – so much so that one could easily read this book without having read the first one and not feel lost at all, and I NEVER say that. The author does a wonderful job revealing Joseph’s history in this book in a way that is just right for the pacing of the book. I loved how the events that had shaped who he was were revealed to the other main character (and me) throughout the course of this book! The author did such a good job with this!
I also really liked the character of Monti. I loved her grit and determination combined with her femininity and softness. I loved her heart for the Indians and her willingness to suffer to share the Lord with them.
I have really enjoyed everything I’ve read thus far from this author. They are nice, not-too-heavy reads that still have a solid inspirational component that encourages the reader’s walk with the Lord. They kind of remind me of Janette Oke books so if you enjoy those, I think you’ll enjoy these as well.
"The Wilderness Journey" by Misty M. Beller is a wonderful book about learning that sometimes what we see as God not protecting us and being against us is Him making things possible for our future to be better. Joseph learns this lesson in this continuing book of the series, "Heart of the Mountains ".
My favorite quote from this novel is spoken by Monti and is said to Joseph, " You are the man God made you to be, Joseph Malcom. The things that happened to you don't have the power to make you more or less than that, It's up to you to decide whether you'll live up to His plan for you."
A fun fact, not that it is the book's fault or the author's fault but just a pet peeve of mine, I don't like the name Joey for someone named Joseph, I just thought I would share this because my son's name is Joseph, as is the main male character and a couple of times he is referred to as Joey and I thought no, his name is Joseph or Joe. Just a personal opinion of course. I did really enjoy this story and will definitely read the others in this series.
I recommend this story and her other books to all readers who like a clean love story and adventure stories about mountains and the dangers of nature with ice and snow and of course Indians.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.