This epic journey is not at all what she expected. Joel Vargas can’t believe he’s lost his older brother in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains after surviving their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic. And he can’t shake the feeling that Adam—his only living relative—is in dire trouble. No matter what the cost, he and his band of friends won’t stop until Adam is found. He’s not sure if two Indian … found. He’s not sure if two Indian women they meet on the way will be a help or hindrance.
After the devastating loss of her daughter and husband to a grizzly attack, Elan is desperate to find an escape from her grief. As she and her friend journey from their Nez Perce camp, through the mountains and toward the great river, a band of white men is the last thing she expects to find, especially as winter blows in full force.
When the dangers increase, accomplishing Joel’s mission becomes the only hope for all their survival. If the elements don’t consume them, Elan has a feeling life will never be the same for any of them.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.
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“From the time she first heard the stories, something had resonated in her heart. A God who created His people, then didn’t leave them to fend for themselves but walked beside them, guiding and helping them. Every time she thought of it, an intense longing stirred deep inside her.”
Although I am a relative newcomer to this author’s work, she has quickly become a favorite. Misty Beller, perhaps more than any other author I’ve known, has a gift for writing variations on a theme without any of her work becoming entrenched in repetition. The nineteenth century has always been my favorite time period, so I was looking forward to this read, and it did not disappoint. Opening in the Bitterroot Mountains in December 1830, “Hope in the Mountain River” brings together a cast of characters who include Joel Vargas, a recent immigrant who is searching for his brother Adam, and Elan, a Nez Perce woman who is desperate to escape the grief of losing her husband and child. Both have heard of the God who loves and walks with His people, but neither have personally encountered Him. As the two groups band together to aid in locating Adam, they soon face trials that will challenge them physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Beller implements a shifting third-person narrative viewpoint in this novel, which serves to provide readers with insight into the thoughts and motives of several characters, especially Joel and Elan. Because they come from such different ethnic backgrounds, this technique is very helpful in understanding them both to a greater extent. Also, their mutual attraction is not straightforward and comes burdened with societal perceptions and their own backstories. Add to this the beautiful yet treacherous landscape and weather, and there is no shortage of conflict to keep readers engaged and anticipating the next step of the adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This is book #two in this series but it definitely can be read as a stand alone. A few of the characters from the first book are woven in this one but you would never know it. Only because of the first book would you recognize them. Beller is so good at describing the surrounding scenery and characters with her words, you can actually see the scenery and feel all the emotions and pain the characters feel. This is a wonderful christian historical western that will keep you turning the pages. Joel is searching for his brother along with four others and meet up with two Indian women riding on the spotted ponies that his brother has spent months searching for. The women agree to join up with and help lead them to their village as the weather is very severe and dangerously cold and one can easily lose their way and freeze to death as they almost do in spite of the women being with them. This is such an interesting book filled with danger, suspense, nearly dying from accidents and other happenings of nature. But through it all God is trusted and romance blossoms and lives are saved. You will certainy love this read and look forward to book #3………..I was gifted this book but was not required to leave a review but I am glad to do so.
This book is well-written, historical in time and no doubt how it might have been in the 1800’s. No real medicine but time honored herbs and roots; no communication over any distance but somehow get to where you are going; and, people in general either were good or bad with few in between. They worked to live or stole what they could to get away. The white-man’s God was in the story-line and wonderfully explained to those that wondered about it. Thanks to this author for doing a great job of holding my interest, explaining the times and I want Book 3.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Hope in the Mountain River continues from the first book in the Call of the Rockies Series. Joel is still in search if his brother, as the group continues their journey through the dangerous Rocky Mountains. Again they are faced with so many dangers, but struggle to keep going. I was happy to see the characters from the first book again, especially Beaver Tail and his white woman wife. Though we read about all of the characters as they journey, this book focuses more on Joel, and Elan, sweet Elan.
Again Misty Beller so expertly pens a story that will grip the hearts of her readers. Just when I think she just can’t get any better, this story is even better than her last one. I love the returning characters as well as the new ones we meet in this book. And I am amazed how this author can take the same characters on the same journey as her last book, and find so many different scenes to write about. And I especially appreciate the way faith in the Lord is written in the lives of some of the characters, and in such a subtle way, it seems so real. I can not wait to read book three in this series. Ms. Beller left us with just enough suspense to make us want to continue this series.
I highly recommend this book, and especially if you love this genre. And even though this book can be read a stand alone, you will enjoy it more reading them in order. And I highly recommend this author as well. Check out all of her book, you just can’t go wrong with any of them.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Once again, the author uses incredible detail to bring the ongoing search for Joel’s brother, Adam, right into my reading corner with all its danger, adventure and unexpected occurrences. The weather in the mountains, as I know from experience, can bring its own difficulties when traveling from one place to another. Through the many experiences the realization that God cares about each one of them becomes clearer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the development of new characters and once again meeting those from the first book – the dog was also a great addition. Every time I read another book written by this wonderful author, I yearn to return to the mountains. Will they manage to find Adam and will he be alive?
I received an ARC through Misty M Beller Books and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
‘She longed for a God she could live for. A purpose for her life.’
Misty Beller just keeps getting better and better. With each book of hers I read, I love her writing more. This time she brings us book two in her Call of the Rockies series. It is full and rich, wonderful characters, plenty to keep any reader captivated and with a wonderful ending. Yet that ending teases of more to come in this series and this reader can’t wait!
This is a wonderful book. Ms. Beller is so good at developing her characters that you really feel like you know them. It’s sad to finish the book because you feel like you are losing a friend. This book continues with some of the same characters as in the first book of the series. But, it is stand alone. The author is so good at making the scenery come to life. I felt like I was really there, in the rugged mountains. I highly recommend this book and hope you’ll consider reading it. I was given an ARC copy, but this review is my own. It’s a great book! Two thumbs up!!
Now I can’t wait for the next book! I want to know what happens! I could have read this book in one day if I didn’t have adult stuff to do.
Hope in the Mountain River was a fast paced, action packed love story. I love how Misty Beller starts her story right into the story…no waiting around for things to get good..it starts out that way!
Elan and Joel was a sweet wholesome story about a trapper and his friends looking for a brother. Elan and Meksem are two Indian women on a journey of their own. The two groups meet and help each other with what they are both looking for. A little cliffhanger at the end but still loved the book.
Super historical fiction and wonderful characters. Strong women who help not hinder. Fantastic picture painted of the mountains. Character building struggles for the characters. Very well written and I was engaged from the beginning. Couldn’t wait to see how things were going to turn out. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Good story, with lots of adventure. I received an ARC of this story.
This is a well written book that hooks you on the first page and doesn’t let go. The author brings the book to life with her words, you can see the scenery and feel all the emotions. This is a wonderful christian historical western that you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I have read all the books in this series and Misty M. Beller continues to impress me. Her characters are strong and interesting. Her story line compels you to keep reading, and reading and reading, forget sleeping. I’ve mentioned in previous reviews I’ve mentioned that I normally have a hard time with stories with detailed descriptions. Ms. Beller had changed my mind on that. Her descriptions take you to winter in the mountains. You will feel like you need to look for a blanket to curl up in. The only problem with finishing this book is how long it will be to the next one. Enjoy.
Hope in the Mountain River continues Joel’s search for his brother, Adam! You will enjoy knowing the background from book 1 in the Call of the Rockies series but Hope in the Mountain River is also good as a stand alone book. Joel and his friends face dangers including gunshot wounds and ice on a river breaking in the Rockies as they climb upward during snow storms and cold temperatures! Elan, a Nez Perce widow, is an extremely strong character as she guides the group to Adam. I recommend Hope in the Mountain River by Misty M. Beller to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received an advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
This is another wonderful historical adventure book by this author. Her books are packed with action, adventure and love. What can be better than that? Elan and Joel and wonderful characters and form a bond and they look for Joel’s brother. This book will engage and it will enthrall you. You won’t be able to put the book down. Yes, it’s that good and I am sure anxious to read the next book from this author! Lot’s of great reading, here!
I received a complimentary ebook copy from the author. All thoughts are my own.
just a really good really. could not put down.